David Beckham and pal Dave Gardner sit in empty stand at England v Iran match during Qatar World Cup

David Beckham cut a fine figure as he was joined by Dave Gardner at England v Iran at the Qatar World Cup on Monday.

The former footballer, 47, looked sweet in a navy blue suit and white shirt as he watched the match alongside his sports agent, 46, in an otherwise empty box at Khalifa International Stadium, Doha.

Earlier in the day, he took to Instagram to share some heartwarming snaps from his morning spent with England fans ahead of the opening game.

Spectators: David Beckham looked dapper in a navy blue suit as he was joined by his friend Dave Gardner in an empty stand during England v Iran match at the Qatar World Cup on Monday

He wrote: ‘Spent a special morning with the @england fans reliving great memories ahead of the big game.

‘I’m so excited for Gareth and the team…good luck guys, the whole country is behind you.’

England prodigies Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka and tournament veteran Raheem Sterling helped the Three Lions take a 4-0 lead over Iran in a fantastic first half in their opening World Cup game this afternoon.

The Birmingham-born Borussia Dortmund prodigy, 19, sent thousands of fans into the stadium – and millions at home – as he stood up to nod it home after a cross from Manchester United’s Luke Shaw. He made history when he became the second teenager in history to score in a World Cup for England, after Michael Owen in 1998.

Busy day: He previously took to Instagram to share some heartwarming snaps from his morning spent with England fans ahead of the opening game

And minutes later, 21-year-old Saka hit a shot with his left foot off the crossbar. And then Sterling, 27, volleyed in from captain Harry Kane’s cross, effectively winning the game before the break. Saka then took fourth with an hour on the clock.

The Three Lions also got a clear penalty just three minutes into the game, when Harry Maguire was clearly dragged down in the penalty area. Maguire then headed against the crossbar.

Thousands of Three Lions supporters are at the Khalifa Stadium in Doha, including the WAGs of the players and David Beckham, as millions watch at home, at work or in deserted shopping street pubs across the UK as people settled in for the match of 13.00.

Having fun: He wrote: ‘Spent a special morning with @england’s fans reliving some great memories ahead of the big game’

England took the knee as they began their first World Cup campaign against Iran in one of the most politically charged games in English football history following a row over wearing a rainbow captain’s armband for Harry Kane, who was axed following pressure from FIFA.

Kane looked serious as he led the team onto the field. The England captain did not wear the ‘OneLove’ rainbow armband after the threat of a yellow card proved too much of a risk for the FA. Alan Shearer said today that Kane was put in an impossible position ahead of one of the biggest matches of his career, but added that he probably would have worn the armband himself.

Kane wore the official FIFA ‘No Discrimination’ armband, taking off his England jacket after hearing the national anthem. Loud whistles greeted the Iranian national anthem, with the entire Iranian team opting not to sing.

Chatting: Dave (centre-left) and David (centre-right) had a conversation with other attendees and staff

Getting busy: the stand later filled up with audience members

Friendly: David greeted a fan as he entered the stadium with Dave

The whole England team then took a knee and Harry Kane appeared to raise his fist – but the Iranians did not participate.

Before the goals trickled in, England fans were furious for not awarding the Three Lions a penalty just three minutes into their World Cup opener.

England got an early corner which was taken by Kieran Trippier and Harry Maguire looked to be knocked down by Iranian defender Roozbeh Cheshmi.

Soon after, the game was stopped for 10 minutes after a head injury to the Iranian goalkeeper, who was substituted. Maguire then hit the crossbar with a header as England dominated.

Bellingham would go one step further soon after, the Borussia Dortmund midfielder headed a header from Luke Shaw’s cross to break the deadlock 10 minutes from the break.

Saka would double the lead before the break, batting in a fine volley of Maguire’s header to erase his missed penalty from last summer.

With the fourth official announcing 14 minutes of extra time, England took their third through Raheem Sterling, who finished Kane’s cross after a great build-up from Southgate’s side.