Bukayo Saka won the Man of the Match award on his World Cup debut on Monday, scoring twice in England’s 6-2 win over Iran.

DOHA, QATAR: Bukayo Saka of England scores his team's fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR: Bukayo Saka of England scores his team’s fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Bukayo Saka was the star of the show in England’s opening World Cup fixture against Iran on Monday, with a couple of goals to mark his debut in the competition.

With England 1-0 up approaching the 45th minute, Saka volleyed home off the bar to double their lead, following a knockdown from Harry Maguire.

Saka then doubled his tally in the second half, showing great composure to dummy a shot and cut inside before applying a simple finish via a deflection.

With two goals from his three shots on target, an 82% pass accuracy, and one great chance created for Mason Mount (who hit the side netting), it was no surprise to see Saka picking up the official Man of the Match award after the game.

Stat websites FotMob (8.9), SofaScore (8.5), and WhoScored (9.3) were all in agreement with the official decision, rating Saka’s performance higher than any other player on the pitch in each case.

DOHA, QATAR: Bukayo Saka of England celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 202. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
DOHA, QATAR: Bukayo Saka of England celebrates after scoring his team’s fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 202. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

It was the perfect way for Saka to begin his World Cup tournament, giving England a commanding lead at the top of their group.

Either Wales or the USA would have to score at least five goals to displace England at the top of the group in their match on Monday night.

Saka even got an early rest, coming off after 71 minutes. Perhaps that will put him in line for another start as England face the USA on Friday at 19:00 GMT.