Iran players did not sing national anthem against England

The representatives of Team Melli decided against singing to favour the protests against the government.

Iran's players skipped singing the national anthem before their opening game at the FIFA World Cup 2022 on November 21 in Qatar. Group B rivals Iran and England will kick off the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Doha's Khalifa International Stadium.

In solidarity with anti-government protestors in Iran, team captain Alireza Jahanbakhsh announced before the game that the players would "collectively" determine whether or not to decline to sing the anthem. The 11 Iranian players reportedly stood expressionless and dismal throughout the playing of the national anthem.

Two months of widespread protests have shaken the Gulf state after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in morality police custody on September 16. Mahsa Amini, also known as Jina Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian lady, passed away three days after her detention in Tehran for allegedly violating the Islamic republic's dress code for women. The hijab is a required article of clothing.

England destroyed Iran 6-2

England opened their World Cup campaign with a 6-2 Group B win against Iran on Monday, a timely return to form for Gareth Southgate's side. Jude Bellingham's maiden England goal, Bukayo Saka's second, and Raheem Sterling's third set up a second-half walk for England. Saka's second goal after halftime allowed England to ease up, allowing Iran to score through Mehdi Taremi. Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish finished off England's scoring. Taremi scored a penalty for a shirt pull after a VAR review.

Iran's Alireza Beiranvand has dragged off the pitch after 20 minutes after a terrible head clash with a teammate, but England took full advantage. England's 19-year-old midfielder Bellingham showed why some of Europe's best clubs want him. His initial goal launched England on their way to Khalifa International Stadium. Bellingham timed his run well and headed Luke Shaw's left-wing cross into the top corner in the 35th minute to become the first player born in or after 2000 to score at the World Cup.

Since Saka volleyed Shaw's corner into the top corner for England's second goal. Sterling added a third with a volley from Harry Kane's cross after Bellingham was again involved in the buildup. Saka scored again in the 62nd minute for England. Sterling, whose place in the team was in doubt after Chelsea's poor record, fed Saka, who jinked inside and out before dropping his shoulder and scoring.

Vahid Amiri feed Taremi, who slammed it past England keeper Jordan Pickford. Rashford came on in a flurry of England substitutions in the 70th minute and scored England's fifth. However, Grealish scored England's sixth goal in the 90th minute after Callum Wilson's right-wing run and pass, before Taremi's late penalty. Iran will play Wales on Friday and then face the US.