Bukayo Saka was at the double as England cruised through their opening World Cup match against Iran to banish memories of a dismal build-up to the tournament.

Expectations were dampened ahead of the trip to Qatar after the Three Lions were relegated from the top tier of the Nations League having picked up just three points from six games.

But Gareth Southgate's men comfortably won what was touted as a tricky Group B encounter thanks to Saka's brace and goals from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish.

After Bellingham, 19, broke the deadlock in the 35th minute with his first international goal, Arsenal star Saka doubled the advantage eight minutes later.

Sterling, 27, added a third in first-half stoppage time and 21-year-old Saka made it 4-0 midway through the second half.

While the Three Lions faithful were still celebrating, Iran netted when Mehdi Taremi ran in behind Harry Maguire to lash the ball beyond Jordan Pickford.

Iran's joy was shortlived, however, as Rashford needed just three touches after climbing off the bench to make it 5-1 in the 71st minute.

England's fine start to their quest for glory was capped by a Grealish goal served up on a plate by fellow substitute Callum Wilson in the dying seconds of normal time.

But in the 13th minute of added time at the end of the game, John Stones gave away a penalty that was converted by Taremi for his second of the afternoon.

Scroll down through the pictures below to relive the best moments from the Group B opener.

starting XI for the World Cup clash with Iran

first half was stopped while Iran keeper Alireza Beiranvand received a lengthy spell of treatment

keeper Alireza Beiranvand was eventually carried off on a stretcher after suffering a head injury

Mount reflects on a missed opportunity after putting a shot into the side-netting

Maguire's first-half header came back off the crossbar

Bellingham's fine header broke the deadlock after 35 minutes

Bellingham celebrates his goal with England team-mate Mason Mount

Saka lashed home England's second goal in the 43rd minute

Saka looks to the heavens after doubling England's advantage

Sterling was on the end of a Harry Kane cross to make it 3-0 to England in first-half stoppage time

Sterling was all smiles after adding to England's first-half tally

Saka slotted home his second of the game in the second half

Taremi pulled one back for Iran in the 65th minute

Rashford made it 5-1 to England after being summoned from the bench

Rashford celebrated with fellow sub Phil Foden after scoring

Grealish was on hand to make it 6-1 to England

Taremi scored his second of the game from the penalty spot deep into second-half stoppage time

Source: Livescore