FIFA World Cup 2022: England sets World Cup record with Grealish goal

Monday’s 6-2 thrashing of Iran in Group B gave England a nearly flawless start to its World Cup campaign.

The goal total was tallied by five different goal scorers as Gareth Southgate’s team ended a six-match losing streak.

In their final goal of the night, Jack Grealish completed a 35-pass play, which was the longest goal-to-goal progression in a World Cup since 1966. This goal epitomized the Three Lions’ dominance.

Many people consider Esteban Cambiasso’s goal for Argentina versus Serbia and Montenegro in the 2006 World Cup to be one of the best goals of the competition after the 24-pass move.

Intriguingly, England later broke Argentina’s World Cup record when Harry Kane completed a 25-pass series in a 6-1 victory over Panama.

Grealish’s goal required the participation of all 11 England players and lasted 87 seconds. In the 89th minute, Callum Wilson selflessly set up the Manchester City forward for a straightforward tap-in.

Very good, very nice. pic.twitter.com/xMMlf3WlAD

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) November 21, 2022

England stretched Iran all over the field with its passes in the 87th minute after Declan Rice took a short free kick in the center circle. Jude Bellingham contributed the most to the play, making nine passes before releasing Wilson beyond Iran’s defense to shoot.

The manager of England selected Grealish’s goal as his favorite of the lot. “I thought Jack Grealish’s goal was especially good. Callum Wilson could have entered the game and been egotistical, but instead, he is considering the team, said Southgate.

England next takes on the USA on November 25.