Fans watch England score six goals in World Cup opener against Iran

It’s a World Cup mired in controversy, however decided followers who gathered to watch England’s first match of the event on huge screens have been rewarded with an exhilarating 6-2 victory.

At one bustling fan zone in London, many had booked the break day – or just given work the slip.

“I asked my boss to give me the day off. I tried to get them to give me the whole month,” stated Iker Verduzco.

The stadiums of Qatar is perhaps freed from beer, however there was no scarcity of it at Budweiser’s Fifa Fan Fest in Tottenham Court Road the place, even in the course of the daytime on a moist Monday, could have been getting early drinks in to have fun the beginning of England’s World Cup marketing campaign.

“I’m happy to be drinking pints at 11 in the morning on a Monday,” stated Monty Singh, 25. His pal, 25-year-old Hugh Lilburn, was “slightly nervous” for the match however “excited” nonetheless.

The crowd was already revved up earlier than kick-off by former England stars Peter Shilton and Teddy Sheringham, however there was a lot to have fun in England’s first match. Cheers erupted after every of the six goals and as followers obtained more and more vigorous as the size of England’s opening win turned clear.

“Southgate you’re the one … football’s coming home again,” was chanted thoughout the second half, and the ultimate whistle noticed arms, arms and branded hats tossed into the air

Despite the joy, followers didn’t neglect the World Cup’s controversies – together with the revelation simply hours earlier than captain Harry Kane wouldn’t put on the OneLove armband in help of the LGBT+ neighborhood in Qatar, the place same-sex relationships are criminalised.

Fifa had threatened the staff with sporting sanctions, with Kane doubtlessly dealing with a reserving earlier than the match even obtained underway.

“I understand the want for Fifa to stay away from political intervention but disappointing to see people can’t express themselves,” stated Andrew Barrett, 24.

Danielle Farnfield, 27, stated: “I would rather have seen them take the yellow card and take the stand against it and wear it. It’s the right thing to do.”

Farrell Monk, 35, stated it was “disappointing” to listen to the Football Association had dropped the armband. “If there was any integrity, they probably should have just taken the punishment.”

His pal hoped England would do properly as a result of “everyone is feeling a bit disconnected” in the mean time. “That’s nothing to do with the England team,” stated Rufus Thompson, pint in hand. “There’s a lot of question marks around the competition. Hopefully we can put all that aside and still put in a good performance.”

But Joe Craddock, 37, watching close to the bar, stated he “couldn’t care less” in regards to the World Cup internet hosting.

“There’s a lot of people making political points,” he instructed The Independent. “End of the day, the football is on. Let’s watch it and get behind England.”

The Iranian staff took a political stance of their very own earlier than the match, refusing the sing the nationwide anthem in solidarity with anti-government protesters at dwelling.

“We can imagine there’s a lot on the minds of both teams but Iran are in turmoil,” one Iranian fan instructed The Independent.

“Unfortunately the result has not been in our favour but at the end of the day the team is with the people. That is something we are proud of.”

After the match, Mr Verduzco stated he can be spending the remainder of the day watching the opposite video games “and having more drinks”.

Mr Lilburn has settled his pre-match nerves. “I thought it was incredible, it’s exactly the start of the World Cup we all need.” Next on his agenda was watching the Wales vs USA recreation.

“It’s the World Cup. You’ve got to watch every game … Write off your next three weeks. The World Cup is here.”