There have not been many more relaxed and enjoyable England performances at a World Cup. Thumping Iran should not trigger the traditional English cycle of replacing despair with hubris: scoring six is usually evidence that your opponent lacks competence, not that you are world-beaters.
England thrashed Panama 6-1 at the previous World Cup in Russia four years ago, after which they lost three times to the serious teams. But Gareth Southgate’s team showed enough in their 6-2 demolition of Iran in their opening game of the tournament on Monday to suggest that they could overcome better teams.
The base is collective experience. This was largely the starting 11 of last year’s delayed Euro 2020 but with Jude Bellingham — a substitute then — replacing Kalvin Phillips in central midfield. It proved an upgrade, enhancing solidity while preserving defensive discipline.