The Three Lions meant business at the Khalifa International stadium as they thumped Iran 6-2.

Bukayo Saka scored a brace for the 1966 champions, while Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish each found the back of the net as well.

Both of Iran's goals were scored by Mehdi Taremi.

The young English midfielder, Bellingham, said they couldn’t have asked for a better start to their campaign, and he was determined to score goals at the tournament.

"It was important to start the tournament like that - a convincing win with a lot of goals," said the Liverpool-linked 19-year-old midfielder.

"The only things to improve on are the two goals against us. We've got to review and analyse it to try and see where they come from and then try and cut them out.

"I've been in good scoring form for Dortmund and I was really determined to try and bring it to the World Cup.

"Yeah, I got off to a good start, but it doesn't mean anything if I can't carry on."

In Group A the Netherlands scored late goals to beat Senegal 2-0. In the other Group B game the USA and Wales played to a 1-1 draw.

Meanwhile, in Tuesday's matches, Argentina will be in action against Saudi Arabia at 12:00, Denmark will face Tunisia at 15:00, at 18:00 Mexico faces Poland and at 21:00 the champions France will face Australia.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport