Bukayo Saka hits brace as England rout Iran 6-2

England’s forward #17 Bukayo Saka (L) celebrates England’s forward #09 Harry Kane (C) and England’s defender #03 Luke Shaw after he scored England’s fourth goal during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. (Photo by Anne-Christine POUJOULAT / AFP)

Suspected bomb scare forces Black Stars to evacuate hotel Bukayo Saka, born of Nigerian parents, was England’s hero yesterday as the Three Lions began their Qatar 2022 World Cup journey with a resounding 6-2 defeat of hapless Iran.

The Arsenal golden boy struck twice in a game Gareth Southgate’s men used to announce their arrival as one of the favourites for the World Cup title.

Having reached the semi-finals four years ago and finished as Euros runners-up last summer, England arrived among the favourites despite a six-match winless run and Nations League relegation.

England ended that wait for a victory as superb Saka scored twice in his first major tournament appearance since missing his spot-kick in last year’s European Championship final defeat to Italy.

Marcus Rashford has not represented the national team at all since missing his attempt in that shootout and scored within minutes of coming on in a win that Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish also scored in.

It was a positive way to start the tournament, with the Group B opener a night to savour given the challenging build-up to a tournament mired in controversies and questions about hosts Qatar’s suitability.

It was, however, a bad day for Africa as continent’s brightest hope for a good outing, Senegal, began on a losing note. The Teranga Lions were beaten by a plucky Holland 2-0 despite matching the 1988