NEWSQUEST'S Northern football reporters in their podcast, 'Voices of the North', reacted to England's 6-2 win against Iran in their World Cup opener.

The News & Star's own Jon Colman was joined by Scott Wilson from the Northern Echo and Bradford Telegraph & Argus' Simon Parker to analyse England's opening World Cup win.

A World Cup debut brace from Bukayo Saka and goals from Jude Bellingham, Marcus Rashford, Raheen Sterling and Jack Grealish secured Gareth Southgate's first three points at the Qatar tournament.

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Reacting to the result, Simon Parker said: "It was a relentless charge forward.

"It was ridiculous, liquid football I think they call it, it was just chance after chance and it was great to see and great fun to watch.

"How often are England fun to watch?"

Scott Wilson also praised the showing from the Three Lions.

He said: "It felt like for all the talk of can they play with the shackles off, well tha was England playing with the shackles off.

"Great performance all over the pitch."

The News & Star's wordsmith Jon Colman also heaped the praised on Southgate's young Lions.

He said: "If we are talking individuals, you would probably start with [Jude] Bellingham to be honest.

"He looked a player at home on that stage.

"I know you have to take into account the quality of the oppostion and Iran were poorer than I think all of us expected. Others expected Iran to be a bit more rigid and a bit tougher to breakdown.

"Having said that credit to Southgate for taking the shackles off."

Later in the podcast, the lads discussed Tuesday's World Cup offerings and Jon gave his prediction for Australia's opener this evening against reigning champions France.

He said: "Look at Australia at the last World Cup and actually they pushed France very late in that game, they got a draw with Denmark.

"They went and lost to Peru and that points to a nation that raises the levels against the better sides."

If you would like to watch the 'Voices of the North' analyse the World Cup you can on the News and Star Facebook page and you can check out the latest episode below.

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