The Arsenal forward 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 at Wembley and netted within minutes of coming on in a thumping win that Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish also scored in.
FIFA cited a technicality to prevent England wearing a rainbow armband in a country where homosexuality is outlawed. There were empty seats at the Khalifa International Stadium due to its shoddy ticketing system and the fact Iran goalkeeper Ali Beiranvand was able to continue before leaving with suspected concussion after a nasty clash of heads was appalling.
As a result of that there were 14 minutes of stoppage time at the end of a first half to cherish for Gareth Southgate's side. Teenager Bellingham expertly headed home his first international goal before Saka smashed home a stunning strike complemented by Sterling.
Saka added another before Mehdi Taremi scored for Iran, who were relieved that the Three Lions only managed to add two more through substitutes Rashford and Grealish.
This story is from the November 22, 2022 edition of Manchester Evening News.
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This story is from the November 22, 2022 edition of Manchester Evening News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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