England manager Gareth Southgate admits he was frustrated to concede two goals as his side battered Iran 6-2 in their World Cup opener.
The Three Lions looked terrific as Carlos Queiroz’s side were comprehensively beaten.
Iran talisman Mehdi Taremi netted twice in the second half, including a penalty with the last kick of the ball.
Conceding two goals annoyed Southgate, who says his side must improve when they face the United States.
“I’m a bit fed up with the end of it really,” said Southgate. “To win by that margin, to play as we did for the majority of the game, I’ve got to be really happy.
“But we shouldn’t be conceding two goals at that stage and we’ll have to be right on our game against the (United) States. It’s a great start but we’re going to have to be better.
“It’s a consequence of the scoreline a bit, we had 24 minutes of added time which is a long time to focus but we just lost concentration and when we play at a slower tempo we’re not anywhere near as effective.
“We have some good players and today they really delivered.
“Our attacking players look a threat, our defence in the first hour controlled the game and were patient. The midfield were excellent and our forwards looked a threat.
“It is a great maker to put down.
“What I particularly liked was Jack Grealish’s goal with Callum Wilson on. He could have been selfish but he was thinking of the team even at that moment.
“I’m a miserable so and so. I should be more excited but I have to keep the team on the right track.”
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Jude Bellingham scored his maiden England goal, opening the scoring on the day.
On Southgate’s message at full-time, Bellingham said: “He just said to enjoy the wins because it would have been a very different reaction had we not have got the result but we’ve got to get ready for the next game and realise that a new challenge is incoming.
“Wins take the pressure off, when you win games, you’re at ease for a little bit longer.
“We know there’s a bit more off for the two games but we will still be at the same level, trying to perform and get two more wins because that’s how we want to be, that’s how we want to carry our mentality hopefully through the rest of the tournament.”
Bukayo Saka scored twice on his World Cup debut and was clearly buzzing after the game.
“I can’t describe the feeling, it is…
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