The Three Lions are known for their erratic World Cup starts. There have been critical arguments about the squad, strategies, the effective starting eleven, and whether this collection of players can end the years of disappointment since England clinched its first and only major title, the 1966 World Cup.

However, things seem to have changed for the better. England secures a fairytale start to its 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign after a dominant performance against Iran. The match finished 6-2, in favor of the Englishmen.

Can England win the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

Time to unite. Time to write a new chapter. pic.twitter.com/ahjmgY60jL

— England (@England) November 21, 2022

READ MORE: 2022 FIFA World Cup Opening Match Takeaways

Opening game goal feast for Gareth Southgate’s squad

Jude Bellingham opened the scoresheet. He intercepted Luke Shaw’s cross with a soaring header 35 minutes into the match. The first half wrapped up with two more goals, including a fine strike from Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Raheem Starling’s pinpoint volley from +1,400 top goalscorer Harry Kane.

Saka scored a second goal before Iran could even recover, but Team Melli had a moment to celebrate when Mehdi Taremi scored a fine goal 65 minutes into the game. Marcus Rashford swiftly responded with a smooth, composed strike with his first involvement since subbing in. Meanwhile, Jack Grealish produced a memorable World Cup debut after slotting home a close-range shot following a good run by Callum Wilson.

Iran did get another consolation before the final whistle. Taremi slotted in a penalty after a John Stones foul inside the box, ending the scoreline six goals to two in favor of England. Furthermore, this was only the second time England netted six goals in a major tournament.

A bright future for England’s young stars

It’s almost impossible to have any firm judgment on England’s squad this year, but the opening game couldn’t be better for Southgate as one of his major selection decisions rewarded him right away. Although the Iranians were expected to resist the attacks as they hold the top 21 in the FIFA rankings and a recent victory against Uruguay lifted their spirits, the Englishmen made light work of the task once Bellingham found the back of the net.

The 19-year-old forward who plays in Borussia Dortmund is touted as one of the emerging names of the tournament. He showed exactly why as he built threatening attacks with Saka and formed a formidable duo with the Premier League player.

2022 FIFA World Cup trajectory

England takes on the United States next as -172 favorites to win, who they have met only twice in the World Cup finals in 1950 and 2010. But, the Europeans failed to overcome the Americans on those two occasions. We expect results that favor the Three Lions this time as they step onto the pitch with unmatched momentum.

The draw between Wales and the United States favored England in the standings. They top Group B and are on pace to take first place in the group stage as -714 favorites. If the nation wins Group B, we are likely to see them paired against the runners-up in Group A – Netherlands, Senegal, Ecuador, or tournament hosts Qatar.

The quarter-final would likely be tougher as they could face defending champions, given that France tops their group and beat Argentina, Mexico, Poland, or Saudi Arabia in the last 16. Meanwhile, if they finish as Group B runner-up and last-16 winners, England could be paired with Argentina or Denmark in the quarter-final leg.

The semis look interesting. If they navigate to the semi-finals as group winners, we expect them paired with Group F and H winners, Belgium or Portugal. On the other hand, a second-place finish in the group stages would set up a date with Spain, Germany, or +200 tournament winners Brazil.

Should England perform leading up to the final as group winners, they could face European giants Spain or Germany, as well as four-time winners Brazil. However, Portugal, Belgium, or +250 favorites France would be their potential opponents if they were to reach the final as Group B runners-up.

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