Skip to main content
Published 21 November 2022 4 min read
England Men's Senior Team

Jude Bellingham enjoys a 'really good day' in Doha

Written by:

Nicholas Veevers

England youngster reacts after helping the Three Lions to a winning start on his World Cup debut

Jude Bellingham reflected on a “really good day” after opening his own England goalscoring account on the biggest stage of the World Cup Finals.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was in eye-catching form throughout the Three Lions’ 6-2 victory over Iran, as Gareth Southgate’s men made a stunning start to their group stage games.

Bellingham guiding a fine header home to break the deadlock at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, before playing a crucial role in the rest of the game as Bukayo Saka (2), Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish added to the tally.


And the 19 year old spoke afterwards about the experience as he became the first player born after the year 2000 to score at a World Cup.

“It’s a really proud moment,” he said.

 

Saka one was of four changes from the side which drew with Germany in September
Saka one was of four changes from the side which drew with Germany in September
“I thought it had missed, as it took ages to loop into the goal but it was a brilliant ball from [Luke] Shaw and I just had to flick it away.

“I’ve wanted to score more goals for Dortmund and England last year and to get in the right position but it’s a really good day for us.

“Six goals in a World Cup game is really impressive, regardless of who you play against.

“They came out really well, were really hard to break down and we didn't have anything clear for quite a while.

“With more goals, we opened them up but the start was tough, we had to dig it out. It's important that we learn how to create chances against those sides and we were a bit disappointed with the two goals [conceded].”
Bellingham celebrates his first England goal with Mason Mount
Bellingham celebrates his first England goal with Mason Mount
The England squad will now return to their base camp for recovery and preparations for their next group match against the USA on Friday evening with the post-match words of Southgate in their ear.

“He just said enjoy the wins, because it would have been a very different reaction had we not got that result,” added the former Birmingham City and Stourbridge Juniors product.

“We've got to get ready for the next game and realise it's a new challenge incoming.”

Find grassroots football near you