WATCH: England have lift off! Jude Bellingham puts Three Lions in front against Iran with first international goal

Bellingham opens England World Cup accountTeenager’s first senior international goalPuts Three Lions ahead vs Iran

WHAT HAPPENED? With his side already having been denied a penalty and rattled the crossbar in a frantic opening 35 minutes or so in Qatar, Bellingham stepped up to the plate and arrived into the box to head England in front from a delicious Luke Shaw cross, netting the nation’s first goal at the 2022 World Cup.

Hey Jude! ✨

Jude Bellingham heads home for his first England goal on the biggest stage!

England 1-0 Iran

??? Watch on @BBCiPlayer, listen on @BBCSounds, get more on the @BBCSport app#BBCFootball #BBCWorldCup pic.twitter.com/rX4xS58WwU

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 21, 2022

ENGLAND TAKES THE LEAD

On the biggest stage Jude Bellingham scores his first goal for England ???????? pic.twitter.com/4TOWEHaMmQ

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 21, 2022

THE BIGGER PICTURE: 19-year-old Bellingham has already captained Borussia Dortmund and scored nine goals in all competitions at club level this season. And with England in need of heroes to propel themselves forward at the World Cup, the tournament feels like the perfect stage for the midfielder to shine on.

WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM? A goal in England’s opening game of Group B is not only the perfect start for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions, but also for Bellingham, who could well piece together a tournament to remember following such a fast start. After Bellingham’s strike, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling also netted to leave England 3-0 at the break.