JUDE BELLINGHAM cheekily claimed that he had been “saving” his first goal for England for the World Cup.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder was named in the starting XI as the Three Lions kicked-off Group B against Iran.
And the 19-year-old star was celebrating after just 35 minutes when he broke the deadlock with his maiden strike for his country.
England had started brightly after a long delay following a brutal head injury to Iran’s goalie.
They were raging early doors when Harry Maguire was denied a stonewall penalty after being pulled down in the box.
But it was Bellingham who finally got the ball in the net as he superbly headed home Luke Shaw’s cross.
Before the game he had sat down with BBC, and during the interview he was asked about his lack of goals for England.
And he confidently replied: “Maybe I’m saving it?
“I’m only joking, I’ve been trying I promise.
“I’ve got into some good positions in the last few games.
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“I think it’s about making the box, getting in the right positions and staying calm in the right positions.”
England continued their superb start by adding to their advantage.
Bukayo Saka rifled home from Maguire’s knockdown on 43 minutes.
And then Raheem Sterling turned home Harry Kane’s cross to make it three before the break.
