sport news World Cup: Gareth Southgate admits England 'lost focus and concentration' in ... trends now
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England boss Gareth Southgate could not hide his disappointment that his side let in two goals in their World Cup opener against Iran - despite romping to a 6-2 win - and warned his side they 'must be better' in their next game.
The Three Lions got off the best possible start in Qatar as they demolished Iran - racing into a 4-0 lead just after half time thanks to Jude Bellingham's opener, Bukayo Saka's brace and a strike from Raheem Sterling.
But Medhi Taremi pulled one back - and although England restored their healthy lead through Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish - Iran controversially got a second from the penalty spot after John Stones was adjudged to have felled Taremi, who slotted home for another consolation.
England boss Gareth Southgate sent out a warning to his players despite beating Iran 6-2 after accusing them of losing 'focus and concentration'
England's thumping lead was reduced by two second half strikes by Mehdi Taremi (right)
Speaking to the BBC after the game, Southgate looked pleased yet frustrated as he hailed his players for their 'patience' and 'threat' throughout the game - but sent out a stern warning that they must not let their concentration slip when they face the USA on Friday.
'I'm a bit fed up with the end of it!' he said. 'To win by that margin we did and to play as we did for most of the game I've got to be happy. The players looked ready - we wanted to be that type of team. They dealt with it well. We had a sticky first
