England vs Iran 6-2 Postmatch Analysis & First Reactions

At that age, we talk about the great midfielders we've played with and we've seen in England for our generation and even maybe yours, none of them were doing what he's doing at this age, on this stage. I'm not saying he's better or he's going to be as good as all of them but at this age, none of them were doing what he's doing and it's fabulous to see. People will say, oh it's only Iran, but Iran have shown they've traditionally been difficult to beat in World Cups. It doesn't matter. They're ranked 20 in the world. But honestly, there's no walkover and we said that beforehand. I just think England deserve all the credit today. We've all learned how to deal with it. It's been excellent. From minute one, when the keeper got injured, it sort of stopped that game a little bit but they found the second gear and from defence to midfield to attack, yeah, we got two sloppy goals but the whole team were brilliant. I like the tactical bit as well with Bellingham. He was playing more of an advanced number 8 role but in the second half, he moved to a 4-2-3-1, a bit deeper and it allowed Foden and Grealish to get the ball in them areas. Well done, Gareth Southgate. He had some big calls to make in terms of a system, whether to put Harry Maguire in. Then they get the goal and he changes things around. Wilson comes on, he sets one up. Rashford comes on, gets a goal straight away. Grealish comes on, he gets his goal. So for the manager as well, not just the players, he's had some big calls to make and they've worked for him today. Well done. Also, there are always concerns about the defence. They've considered two goals, we'll talk about the penalty at some point but you've got to say haven't you that if you play to your strengths and you outscore the opposition, maybe that's the way forward. I think every single fan in the country, the pundits, the media are all saying our weakest area is at the back. So let's put more attacking players on the pitch. You've done that today and played to your strengths and we look devastated. Another factor that will really, really please me, Michael mentioned it before, utilising your subs. Four subs at a time, came on, changed the game again. It's quite easy to do that, I suppose, when you're comfortably ahead 3-0. You've got to do it still. They've got to come on and do bits and then Rashford scores, Grealish scores, it's all ticking for us. Let's hear from the youngest player ever in the World Cup for England to score two goals, Bukayo Saka.