England got off to a convincing start with victory over Iran in Doha. Bellingham, Saka, Sterling, Rashford and Grealish scored to give Gareth Southgate’s side a six to two victory.

England’s captain was also forced to swap his OneLove armband, which promotes diversity and inclusion, for the official FIFA armband because of FIFA’s widely criticised decision. Fifa had threatened to issue a yellow card if the players did not comply.

All seven European nations, including DFB, bow to FIFA and Qatar and refrain from wearing the one-love armband out of concern for yellow cards.

What a spineless bunch. No arse in their pants but keep blathering about attitude. Pathetic. pic.twitter.com/bbiDNZ2lrV

– Not Chevy Chase (@DrWaumiau) November 21, 2022

England now lead Group B after Wales salvaged a draw thanks to a late penalty against the USA.

Aadel Haleem reports from the World Cup for euronews:

Three-time runners-up the Netherlands beat Senegal 2-0 in Group A. Africa’s top-ranked team had to play without their star player Sadio Mane, which put a damper on the momentum Senegal had going into the tournament after winning their first Africa Cup of Nations title. Without their Ballon d’Or winner, they were unable to break down the Dutch – although they played rather uninspired.