>
Sensational England record the second most passes in a World Cup first half since 1966 as they blow Iran away in Qatar…with flawless Jude Bellingham opening the scoring to become England’s second-youngest World Cup goalscorer
England completed the second most passes by any side in the first half of a World Cup clash since 1966, as the Three Lions dominated Iran en route to a 3-0 half-time lead on Monday.
Jude Bellingham completed 100% of his passes (40) in the first 45 minutes, and Mason Mount proved unstoppable on the ball as he was successful in 100% of his dribbling attempts.
In comparison, Iran only managed 46 completed passes – the fewest of any team in the same 56-year period, after a truly stunning display in Qatar.
England had the second most passes by a team in the first half of a World Cup since 1966
Mount and Bellingham in particular excelled in an English midfield that controlled play, with the opposition largely content to sit back and allow the Three Lions the ball.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder got the Three Lions off to a perfect start by heading home in the 35th minute – after a lengthy interruption for Iranian goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand to be treated for a head injury.
In all, Bellingham attempted 40 passes in the first 45 minutes as Opta Analysis reveals the youngster didn’t misstep a foot.
Jude Bellingham started scoring for England against Iran in their World Cup opener against Iran
Chelsea midfielder Mount was equally productive, completing both of his dribbling attempts against Iran’s defensive side in the first half on Monday.
He was also successful in defence, with a 100% tackle completion percentage, as well as winning seven of seven matches for Gareth Southgate’s side.
The 23-year-old was also effective in helping England move quickly from one end of the pitch to the other, with three accurate long balls.
Mount was prolific at both ends of the field with a 100% dribbling success rate and winning seven games
Great performances poured in from England’s stars in Qatar, with Southgate’s side controlling the ball with some 82% of possession.
Kieran Trippier had the second moth touches of any player (69) and attempted nearly as many passes in the final third (20) as the entire Iranian side (22).
And Manchester City defender John Stones was another player to finish the half without misplacing a pass, with a whopping 70 passes all reaching their intended target.