England won their first game of the 2022 World Cup in emphatic fashion with a 6-2 victory against Iran. Two goals from Bukayo Saka and strikes from Jude Bellingham, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish secured the victory for Gareth Southgate's side.
Harry Maguire put in a superb performance in England's back four despite several calls for Southgate to leave him out of the starting XI. Having barely featured for Manchester United this season, and despite his performance, he may now miss England's next group-stage fixture.
Following Iran's Mehdi Taremi pulling a goal back, Maguire was seen sitting on the floor. The England medical staff performed the regulatory concussion checks on the 29-year-old before Eric Dier replaced him.
READ MORE: England vs Iran LIVE: Saka and Mount start for England, FA statement on OneLove, goal updates
His departure, similar to the situation faced by Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvandmay after he was brought off in the first half with a suspected concussion, may well spell the end of his presence in the tournaments group stages due to strict concussion protocols, but it did not cost England a substitute due to new rules.
What are the rules?
This allows clubs to make their allotted other changes still and puts player safety at the forefront of the rules. The opposing side - in this case, England - will also be allowed to make an extra sub too. This has already been the case in the Premier League since 2021.
The FIFA website also explains extra protocols they have used, stating: "For the first time at a FIFA World Cup, an independent Concussion Assessment and Rehabilitation Service will be offered in Qatar to provide an evidence-based assessment of any player who has suffered a brain injury, including recommendations from concussion experts regarding the player's return to play."
Beiranvand may well be out of the World Cup, with concussion protocols stating that a player should have 10 days without playing before they can be considered for a return to action, which would see him take no further part if his side fail to make it out of the group stages of the competition.
READ NEXT:
England vs Iran highlights: Dream World Cup start as Bukayo Saka nets two in thumping win
England player ratings vs Iran: Saka and Bellingham impress as England romp to 6-2 World Cup win
Jude Bellingham, Harry Maguire: England's winners and losers after huge World Cup win over Iran
Jack Grealish heartwarming celebration for Finlay explained during England World Cup win vs Iran
England World Cup fixtures 2022: UK kick-off times and knockout dates
