England got their 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign off to a near perfect start with a thumping 6-2 win over Iran.
Gareth Southgate's young lions roared into life after a long injury break in the opening minutes, blowing Iran away in a breathless first half.
Goals from Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling ensured the game was put to bed before the half-time whistle even had the chance to ring out around the Khalifa Stadium.
England's substitutes on fire in the second-half vs Iran
It was much the same in the second-half as England flooded forward, mercilessly rattling another three goals past the hapless Iran defence.
It was Southgate's flurry of substitutes in the second half that did most of the damage with Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford adding to Saka's second on the night.
2022 World Cup on GiveMeSport
While it may not be described as the perfect start - the two goals conceded did put a slight dampener on things - you can imagine that Southgate and co. would have bitten your hand off if you had offered them 6-2 prior to the game.
Harry Maguire leaving the pitch early with what looked like a concussion will be a concern but, other than that, it all went rather swimmingly for England.
Bukayo Saka banished the ghosts of the past
Southgate's machine purred in every area from front to back as the English sent a significant early warning to the rest of the tournament.
Saka, who endured awful torment after his missed penalty in the Euro 2020 final, well and truly banished the ghosts of the past with a faultless performance.
Read more: Jack Grealish kept his promise with World Cup goal celebration
Jude Bellingham ran the show vs Iran
However, while there were praiseworthy performances all over the pitch, it was Bellingham who shone the brightest of Southgate's quiver of young superstars.
The Borussia Dortmund star, 19, absolutely ran the show in the England midfield, pulling the strings all night long to give his forwards the opportunity to run amok in front of him.
DOHA, QATAR - NOVEMBER 21: Jude Bellingham of England applauds fans after the 6-2 win during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between England and IR Iran at Khalifa International Stadium on November 21, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
His passing range was quite sublime, he read the game like a book he knew off by heart, and broke up the little play Iran managed with unerring ease.
It should come as no surprise then that his highlights from the opening clash are simply spectacular and you can check them out in the footage below.
Video: Jude Bellingham's highlights vs Iran
Outstanding - the boy is only 19.
He showed maturity well beyond his years to call the shots on the biggest stage in the game and was undoubtedly the beating heart of everything good England managed to pull off.
There can be no doubting that, if England are to go deep in Qatar, young Bellingham is going to have a massive role to play.