An array of squad depth at Southgate's disposal
Much has been said about England's attacking options in recent years and how it compares to the golden generation of Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Michael Owen. After a fresh crop of talent replaced the likes of Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli and Jamie Vardy for the European Championships last year, the number of quality players to choose from is a welcomed problem for Gareth Southgate.
Against Iran, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling opted to partner Harry Kane in attack, and they both found themselves on the scoresheet in the rampant win for the Three Lions. But when Southgate brought Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish onto the field simultaneously, in a huge statement of their options.
There are not many nations in the World Cup that will possess as much quality in one position of the field as England do. Maybe Brazil? The South Americans are most peoples favourites to lift their sixth World Cup title this year due to their list of quality in attack with Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Raphinha.
READ MORE: What Bukayo Saka said after 'special' World Cup win over Iran as winger sets new England record
In previous tournaments, the lack of goals have been a problem, especially in the Euros, but that won't be a problem this year. Six goals were scored for England's second successive World Cup, and it is a fair judgement to say that England didn't come out of third gear after racing into a 3-0 lead.
It will be an added boost to Southgate that his side didn't have to rely on Harry Kane's goals to get them through a difficult path. As per the 2018 World Cup group stage, England required two Kane strikes to avoid a banana skin against Tunisia before he was the goalscorer in the draw with Columbia. This year is different.
Defensive concerns
If you had only watched the post-match interviews with Kieran Trippier and Gareth Southgate, you'd be surprised to learn that England had just won a World Cup game 6-2. The pair was both heavy with their criticism about the two Iran goals from a defensive point of view.
Southgate insisted his side shouldn't have conceded the two goals. FC Porto's Mehdi Taremi showed great a poacher's quality to open his World Cup campaign before adding a second in the last kick of the game from the penalty spot.
Whilst his side looked solid against little threat presented in Doha, there were question marks over the defending on display for Iran's first goal. Harry Maguire was actually forced off after the goal with blurred vision, and that could have played a part in the build-up, but there's certainly work to do ahead of Friday's game against USA.
The US will almost certainly offer more for England to deal with than Iran did, and the likes of Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna and Brenden Aaronson will be keen to make the most of England's frailties in defence.
Harry Kane scare
The England captain had every England supporter panicking when he went down holding his ankle in the second half. A challenge from Morteza Pouraliganji resulted in the Tottenham striker requiring treatment on the pitch after he looked to roll his ankle whilst going down.
Kane is now a doubt for Friday's clash against USA after sustaining an ankle injury. Despite being replaced in the 75th minute by Callum Wilson, Kane was seen walking through the mixed zone with his right ankle strapped and a slight limp.
His absence will be a huge miss for England against the US on Friday. Despite not adding to his six World Cup goals in Doha, Kane was instrumental to the Three Lions' build-up play and would leave a gaping hole in Southgate's attacking plan on Friday.
Callum Wilson is a ready-made swap, and his form for Newcastle will relax a number of nerves. But he's not Harry Kane. In fact, few strikers can bring what Kane does to the table. Nevertheless, should England surpass USA without Kane, the 29-year-old will be well-rested ahead of the knockout stages.
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