‘I told you so!’ - What Jude Bellingham said after starring for England in 6-2 win over Iran

England midfielder Jude Bellingham delivered an ‘I told you so’ message after starring in the Three Lions’ World Cup opener. The 19-year-old broke the deadlock before Gareth Southgate’s side went on to thrash Iran by six goals to two, in a dream start to the tournament.

The boyhood Bluenose, who now plays his club football for German side Borussia Dortmund, scored a fine header to get the goal-fest underway. Bellingham rose above Iran’s defenders to convert Luke Shaw’s cross, and in doing so he became the second-youngest England player to score at a World Cup, behind Michael Owen.

Before heading to Qatar, Bellingham had joked he was saving his first international goal for when the World Cup begins, and his claim came true. “I told you I was saving it,” Bellingham joked to BBC Sport. “It was a really good day for us. Six goals in a World Cup game is really impressive no matter who you’re playing against.

“The start was tough and we had to dig it out - Iran were strong. It’s important that we learn how to create chances against those kinds of sides. [For his goal] I thought I’d missed as it took ages to loop into the goal. I told you I wanted to get more goals for Dortmund and England.

“It was a really proud moment for me. [In the dressing room], Gareth [Southgate] told us to enjoy the win. It would’ve been a very different reaction if we hadn’t gotten that result. Now we have to get ready for the next game.”

With 113, Bellingham made the fourth-most touches out of any player on the pitch against Iran. The midfielder scored one goal, completed two dribbles, made three tackles, and was successful with 96.8% of his passes. England’s next World Cup Group B clash is against the USA, on Friday, November 25.