Gareth Southgate labelled Marcus Rashford at the World Cup as a "completely different player" to his England performances during the delayed Euro 2020.

The Manchester United forward missed a spot-kick in the penalty shoot-out in the European Championship final defeat to Italy before a wave of online racial abuse was targeted at Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho.

Rashford appeared out of form following the Euro 2020 heartbreak but impressive club performances for United ahead of the November break saw him secure a place in Southgate's 26-man squad for Qatar.

The 25-year-old scored as a substitute in the 6-2 victory over Iran and celebrated a brace after starting in Tuesday's 3-0 win over Wales to send England through as Group B winners.

That made Rashford the first United player to score three goals at a major tournament for England since Bobby Charlton at the 1966 World Cup, leading Southgate to hail the striker's transformation.

"It has been a challenge for him. I went and saw him before the season and had a long chat with him, he had some clear ideas on what he needed to do," the England manager said of Rashford.

"With his club, he's been happy with his performances this year and it showed on the training ground with us.

"We've got a completely different player here than we did at the Euros, he could have had a hat-trick in the first half as he was getting in all the right areas. He deserved his goals."

No player at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium enjoyed more touches in the opposition box (eight), shots (six) – just one fewer than the entire Wales team managed – or attempts on target (four) than Rashford.

His excellent showing offers Southgate a selection dilemma heading into Sunday's last-16 clash with Senegal, with Phil Foden also scoring after Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka dropped to the bench.

Southgate's decision not to use Foden at all during the drag goalless draw against the United States drew criticism, but the manager welcomed the headache he now has.

"You need goals from all areas, it is a problem for opposition teams if the threat is coming from other areas of the pitch," Southgate added. 

"We have talked about that a lot, across the three games pretty much all our forward line have got off the mark with goals or quality assists.

"That is a good place for the forwards to be, they need that confidence, competing for places is where we want to be because then everyone knows they have to deliver.

"You want those sorts of decisions, we need strength in depth. Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips both got minutes, you never know when we are going to need certain players."

England reached the semi-finals at the World Cup in Russia in 2018 before going one better at the Euro 2020 three years later, but Qatar marked the first time the Three Lions have topped their group at FIFA's global competition since 2006.

Southgate remains buoyed with confidence as he believes England are a much-improved side to the one that fell to defeat against Croatia in 2018's last four.

"Compared to Russia there's a different mentality and a different belief," he continued. "In Russia, it was more like could we just win one knockout game, but there's more confidence now.

"We have more experience, I'm not sure if we're ahead of where we were [at the Euros]. But we have achieved our first objective.

"Against Senegal, who have some top players playing in big leagues across Europe, we know on the rankings we will be favourites but they are a very dangerous team."

Harry Kane was named in England's starting XI for Tuesday's World Cup clash with Wales, with Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Kyle Walker also coming into the team.

Gareth Southgate gave little away on Monday when asked if Kane, who has been struggling with a foot injury, would feature from the off at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.

England's progress from Group B would be assured with a point against Wales, who would need to win by at least three goals if they are to qualify, depending on the outcome of Iran v United States in the other match.

Kane has only scored three times in 10 games for England in 2022, with all those goals coming from the penalty spot. 

Southgate has made four changes from England's last game.

Foden did not come on in the goalless draw with the USA, with Southgate's decision not to call on the Manchester City star drawing criticism from some quarters, but the youngster has replaced Bukayo Saka, while Sterling has made way for Rashford.

Kyle Walker, meanwhile, makes his first start of the tournament, with the full-back having recovered from a groin injury he suffered in October, and Jordan Henderson got the nod over Mason Mount.

Wales boss Rob Page, meanwhile, has made three changes from the side he started in the 2-0 defeat to Iran.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey was sent off in that match and has been replaced by Leicester City's Danny Ward.

Midfielder Joe Allen and Fulham winger Dan James also came in for the Dragons, with Connor Roberts and Harry Wilson dropping to the bench.

Marcus Rashford shrugged off the suggestion England are too conservative under Gareth Southgate as he insisted they have a killer instinct.

England drew 0-0 with the United States on Friday, in a World Cup match that saw both teams only accumulate a combined 1.4 expected goals (xG).

The draw leaves England – 6-2 victors over Iran in their opening match – on four points at the top of Group B, meaning they only need to avoid defeat against neighbours Wales on Tuesday to guarantee qualification.

A win would confirm their place as group winners, but manager Southgate has been criticised in some quarters for his pragmatic approach.

Yet with England having reached a World Cup semi-final in 2018 and a final at the delayed Euro 2020 last year, Rashford does not believe the critics' point stands up to scrutiny.

"We've shown progression, I can only speak on the time that I’ve been here, from 2016," Rashford said in a press conference.

"You look at the performance against Iceland when we got knocked out of the Euros, it's a million miles off where we are now, you can’t even compare them.

"We have great players, playing top football against the best opposition week in and week out, so we can't go into games and think negatively. It's not something the players do or the manager does. He always wants us to show people what we can do.

"We play positive football, it showed against Iran, scoring six goals. They're a top-20 team in the world. We've seen the smaller nations get massive upsets in the tournament.

"So scoring those goals, it's a big sign of what we're about. If we can kill a team off, we'd want to do that."

The onus will not be wholly on England at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, with Wales needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

After drawing their first game against the United States, Wales lost 2-0 to Iran last time out, meaning they must topple England to stand a chance of progressing from the group, and even a win might not be enough.

"Of course we can [beat England], we have shown time and time again when you write us off we will prove people wrong," said Wales defender Chris Mepham.

"The picture is clear now: we have to beat England and be prepping for that. Hopefully we can be in a position where we give a good account of ourselves and see where it takes us."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Wales – Danny Ward

With first-choice goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey seeing red against Iran, it means Danny Ward will likely be coming into the starting XI.

Ward had a poor start to the season with Leicester City, though he gradually improved. That being said, he picked the ball out of his net twice in the short time he was on the pitch against Iran.

If Wales are to get the result they need, they will need their goalkeeper to be at his very best.

England – Phil Foden

Much has been made of Southgate's decision to leave Manchester City attacker Phil Foden on the bench against the USA.

While Foden is not guaranteed to play, Southgate might be wise to hand the youngster a start to exploit the space that might be left given Wales are going to have to go for the win.

PREDICTION

This is England's first World Cup match against a fellow British side. The Three Lions are unbeaten in all three games against other British teams at the Euros (W1 D1 vs Scotland, W1 vs Wales), and Opta's model has them as the favourites for this one.

England are given a 66 per cent chance of victory, while Wales are rated as having a 13.1 per cent hope. The draw is at 20.9 per cent.

Harry Kane is fit to face Wales, but Gareth Southgate stopped short of confirming the England captain would start.

Kane sustained a foot injury in England's World Cup opener against Iran, only to recover in time to lead the Three Lions out again against the United States.

The Tottenham forward struggled to impact that goalless draw, however, and there have been calls for him to be dropped for the final group game against Wales.

England are not yet through but would have to lose by four goals at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Tuesday to fall short of the knockout stage.

Discussing his team selection, Southgate outlined the need to "balance freshness with stability".

Ahead of playing the United States, the England manager said it would be a "brave decision" not to start Kane, but he spoke with far less certainty when that quote was repeated back to him on the eve of the Wales match.

In response to that question on Kane, Southgate said: "We're going to pick a team that we believe can win the game. That's our priority always.

"[Kane] is fine in terms of the knock he's had. We keep saying it's his foot and [everyone else] keeps saying it's his ankle. It's his foot.

"He's trained well. In the whole group, it's only Ben White missing with illness.

"We've got pretty much everyone to select from, which is a great position to be in. It makes decisions difficult, of course, but you want a fully fit squad. That's where we're at."

Even if Southgate does alter his line-up, there is unlikely to be a repeat of the eight changes made between the second and third games in Russia four years ago, when England were already through.

"It's always a challenge, and of course we've got 26 players," the England boss said. "But we're at a major tournament, and it's not about giving caps out. We're here to try to go as far as we possibly can."

Southgate added Wales "seem to have additional motivation to play against England", describing it as "a great sporting rivalry, no more than that – [although] the feeling may not be mutual".

He has no issue with Wales' determination to beat their rivals, though, with Kieffer Moore having said at the start of the tournament he "cannot wait" to knock England out.

"He's entitled to say whatever he wants leading into a game," replied Southgate. "I'd be amazed if he didn't feel that way.

"We've got to just focus on what we're about, preparing for the game in our normal way. We've got to bring our quality to the game and composure and play with the tempo that makes our team really difficult to play against.

"It's pointless us focusing on what's said before the game. We've got to go on the pitch and play well."

Gareth Southgate says Phil Foden will "play a big part" in the remainder of England's World Cup campaign, despite the midfielder's limited playing time so far.

Foden came on for the final 19 minutes of England's 6-2 win over Iran in their Group B opener and was an unused substitute in the goalless draw with the United States.

Southgate was criticised for not turning to the Manchester City star during a poor display from the Three Lions against the USA.

The England manager defended his decision after the drab stalemate, but Foden now looks set to play a more prominent role, possibly starting with Tuesday's clash against Wales.

"We love Phil, he's a super player," Southgate told BBC Sport. "He's going to play a big part in this tournament for us.

"Phil's mentality to training and the way he's approaching everything is excellent."

Foden has played 20 matches for City this season – only Joao Cancelo (21) and Bernardo Silva (22) have featured more regularly under Pep Guardiola this term.

He has scored eight times and assisted a further three goals, and Southgate has talked up the 22-year-old's versatility in midfield and attack.

"There are different possibilities. He can play on either flank and can play as a false nine if we chose to do that," Southgate said.

"He can play off a striker, although he doesn't do that as much at club level so that's maybe applicable to certain games or certain moments.

"He's a very flexible player in terms of the attributes he has and where he can have an impact. He's a goal threat, which is also very important."

England will advance to the last 16 should they avoid a four-goal loss to Wales, though Southgate will be targeting a victory to secure top spot in Group B.

The match at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium will be England's first against a fellow British side at the World Cup, but Southgate does not believe that brings extra pressure.

"None more than normal," he said. "We recognise this is a game with a lot of focus because it's a local derby, but we're England – everyone wants to beat us.

"There are high expectations every time we're on the pitch. We've got to focus on playing as well as we can while showing the composure and ruthlessness needed to win."

England have won each of their past six games against Wales, scoring 11 goals in that run and conceding only one – a Gareth Bale free-kick at Euro 2016. 

Phil Foden is "the best footballer England have", according to former Three Lions captain Wayne Rooney, who suggests the Manchester City star must be played at the World Cup going forward.

The playmaker was an unused substitute during Friday's 0-0 draw with the United States, as Gareth Southgate's side missed the chance to seal top spot in Group B and progress to the knockout rounds.

Having been overlooked to start in both of their matches so far, Foden was forced to watch from the sidelines as his side laboured to a point, prompting criticism from former England players Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville.

Now Rooney, the Three Lions' all-time record goalscorer, has added his voice to the chorus of dissent over the 22-year-old's exclusion from a crucial encounter.

"I found it very strange that Foden did not come on as a substitute against the USA," he wrote in his column for The Times. "Technically, he is the best footballer England have.

"I think if you have a talent like Foden, you simply have to play him. He is now a different player from the one we saw at Euro 2020, when he struggled to make an impact.

"He is more mature and came into this tournament on the back of a long period of brilliant performances for Manchester City.

"He has the form to go with the ability. If I were him, I would be very frustrated that I didn't get on the pitch at any stage of Friday’s game."

In a lacklustre performance without the energy and verve of their opening 6-2 win over Iran, England were kept out of danger at the back by another strong showing from Harry Maguire.

Manchester United's club captain has been mostly overlooked at club level this season, but Rooney was effusive in his praise for the centre-back, who recovered from illness to feature against the United States.

"[Maguire] was England's standout player on Friday," he added. "He had an excellent game against Iran.

"[He is] showing the quality on the ball, sound defending and unmistakable threat at set pieces. That makes him so important to the team."

England play their final Group B game against Wales on Tuesday, with Southgate's side looking to secure top spot ahead of the knockout rounds.

Luke Shaw says England are extra motivated heading into their World Cup clash with Wales after their opponents wildly celebrated the Three Lions' exit from Euro 2016.

An infamous video circulated following England's embarrassing last-16 defeat to Iceland six and a half years ago showing Wales' players lapping up their fierce rivals' demise.

Wales surpassed expectations by making it to the semi-finals of that competition, despite losing to England in the group stage, but they have had less success at Qatar 2022.

The Dragons require a victory against England at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium if they are to avoid a group-stage exit and must hope the United States and Iran play out a draw elsewhere.

A four-goal win for Wales against their neighbours on Tuesday would also be enough, but they have not so much as avoided defeated against England in their past six meetings.

Shaw, who played a full part in England's 6-2 win over Iran and goalless draw with the USA, believes the scenes from 2016 will add more spice to an already feisty fixture.

"I think you could say that," Shaw said. "But our motivation in itself has to be at its highest level. We are at the World Cup. We have great aims for what we want to achieve.

"We have to have the maximum motivation at every game. I don't think there's any more motivation than what we have already. 

"It wasn't nice. I don't want to dwell too much on that. I want to focus on what we do on the pitch. We can say things in interviews and I'd rather do our talking on the pitch."

Asked if England's players would consider recording similar scenes of celebrating should they knock out Wales, Shaw said: "I think we are a respectful group.

"We do things in the right way. That's the example Gareth [Southgate] wants to set. We are fully behind that. We are fully respectful.

"I think their motivation is going to be extremely high. They are going to give everything to win. It's not an easy game. But we need to focus on what we do."

England will advance to the knockout stage if they avoid a heavy loss to Wales, though Southgate's side will be targeting a victory to make certain of top spot in Group B.

Speaking ahead of England's first ever World Cup match against a fellow British side, Southgate said: "We have got to play well. 

"We are going to play an opponent that is wounded and, like everybody else, desperate to beat the English. We've got to play an intelligent game, play well and match their spirit.

"I would be very disappointed if someone says their players will want it more than ours. I'd be asking questions about what we stand for and what we have been for five years."

England have lost their third and final group-stage game in just two of their 14 participations at the World Cup (W7 D5), doing so against Spain in 1950 and Belgium in 2018.

Gareth Southgate believes England showed a different side of their play against the United States, securing what he feels is a valuable point.

The Three Lions missed the chance to become the first side to book their spot in the knockout stages after being held to a goalless draw by the USA, in a game where England's creativity and threat in the final third was lacking.

Instead, it was the USA who had the better opportunities throughout, Christian Pulisic striking the frame of the goal, while England were forced to adopt a more conservative approach than they did in their demolition of Iran.

Southgate is adamant a successful team needs to be able to show variation in a tournament, and gave a positive assessment of the performance.

"I'm really pleased with the application of the players, it's a really tough opponent, they played incredibly well," he said in the post-match press conference.

"To come off the high of the performance the other day and find that same energy, level of quality, it was always going to be a challenge.

"Their front six make it so difficult to play through and get at their defence, I thought we controlled the game really well, our two centre-backs were absolutely outstanding with the ball.

"To play with that sort of composure under the pressure and angles that the USA press with is difficult and it's only when you have two players like we have where you begin to appreciate the strain of the game that they can take.

"We lacked zip and control in the final third, we didn't really create enough in the final third, but we had a chance to show another side of ourselves in terms of the resilience, the recovery runs, covering our box well.

"To be a successful team in a tournament, you have to show those different faces and I think we did that tonight. I'm sure there will be a lot of noise about the performance but not many teams go through the World Cup and get nine points in the group.

"We're in a good position, we've got a little bit to do to qualify still, but we also have the opportunity to win the group.

"The players were very down and disappointed after the game but I told them that isn't how it's going to be for the next few days because I thought they showed another side to what they are about and it's going to be important moving forward."

Kieran Trippier echoed Southgate's assessment of the point being an important one, highlighting how the likes of Germany and Argentina have suffered surprising defeats so far in Qatar.

"The USA are a good side. Every single team in our group is top 20. You can't underestimate any of them," he told Stats Perform.

"You have to give respect to them. We knew it was going to be a tough game. You see the past results, they're a good side, a very good side.

"You look at other results in the tournament, and there are some big results gone against them. We've got to take positives. It's a good point.

"We're not at all [concerned about creativity]. Of course, in the final third there were some moments where we could be better, of course, but it's the second game in, four points on the board in the group, it's only positive from myself and the team.

"I think the motivation's there. England-Wales is a massive game. All we can do now is recover, review the game where we could have done better, and get ready for the next battle."

Gareth Southgate does not feel any pressure for England to produce a political statement akin to Germany's team photo at this World Cup.

England, like Germany, were planning to support the OneLove campaign – which promotes "inclusion and sends a message against discrimination of any kind" – by having their captain wear an armband bearing its logo.

When FIFA threatened sporting sanctions – expected to be a yellow card for the captains – the teams involved backed out.

Germany still produced a demonstration, however, as their players covered their mouths for their team photo ahead of the defeat to Japan, suggesting FIFA was "denying us a voice".

Southgate was asked on Thursday if England would have a unique protest of their own, but he replied: "No, I don't think we should feel any pressure [to do so].

"I think we've spoken on these particular topics for over a year and we've supported all manner of good causes, whether that's individuals in our team or as a collective. I think there's a risk that everybody tries to escalate...

"Are we to try to produce a better video than Australia did? That would be impossible. They did it brilliantly. Do we have to come up with a better gesture than Germany did?

"We've got to be comfortable with we stand for. That's not to say we won't do anything moving forward, if the timing's right, but if we're rushing to be seen to be doing something then we could make an error which doesn't land well.

"At this moment in time, for the players and myself especially, we've got to be focusing on the games.

"Of course, the FA takes the responsibility seriously; we're never going to duck any questions. The fact we're still talking about these matters keeps them in the spotlight and helps to raise awareness.

"We're definitely hugely supportive of our LGBTQ fanbase, and I know some of them feel a little bit disappointed with the armband not being worn.

"We will be criticised for that, but sometimes we've just got to accept the criticism and move on with it. That's as I see it.

"If we're confident about ourselves and where we stand, we shouldn't worry about needing to do something to be seen to be doing it."

Southgate was also asked if the Football Association should continue to support FIFA president Gianni Infantino, although he did not feel that conversation was within his remit.

"In my opinion, the coach of the team should coach the team, and the executives of the federation should comment on a higher level," he said.

"I noticed Kasper [Schmeichel, Denmark's goalkeeper] after the game was saying how difficult this has been for him. I've got to know him well, and I can emphasise.

"We're all spending so much time talking about non-football matters that it's hard to have the bandwidth to deal with preparing the team.

"Preparing the team at any time is difficult, and preparing them at a major tournament is even more complicated. It's not for me.

"If I want to become a football politician later in life, I'll become a football politician. For now, I've got enough of a job to do to coach the team."

Harry Maguire has kept his focus on England at the World Cup while Manchester United have been making headlines back home.

Despite early upsets and drama at Qatar 2022, United have dominated the news agenda, first with the release of Cristiano Ronaldo and then with the announcement of the Glazer family exploring the possibility of selling the club.

Even by United's standards, it has been a manic week.

But Maguire, who is set to earn his 50th England cap against the United States on Friday, has not allowed himself to worry about developments at Old Trafford.

"To be honest, I think it's been really easy," Maguire said. "I'm here with England, I'm playing at a World Cup, the greatest tournament in the world, so for me to keep the distractions away has been easy.

"I'm fully focused on winning each game I play for my country. There's been a lot of talk going off around the club at the moment, but I'm fully focused on England."

Gareth Southgate was also asked how he could shield his players from such distractions, with Maguire one of three United players in his squad.

"We've talked from time to time about the importance of ignoring those things from outside," Southgate said.

"We actually had the future King [Prince William] come in and talk to us about that. I thought that was a point we couldn't have paid him better to say.

"We've got to just ignore the noise. At tournaments, I think there's always a frenzy of the need for information, the need for stories.

"I've lived through a lot of tournaments now, so I understand the need to stay calm through all of that, focus on the games, focus on the training, on the things you can affect. Keeping your energy for those things is key."

Ronaldo is now a former team-mate for United captain Maguire, having caused the Red Devils no shortage of headaches since revealing his desire to leave at the start of the season.

But Maguire did note the constant criticism one of the game's all-time greats faced during their time together, helping him deal with scrutiny of his own career.

"As a footballer, nobody likes being criticised, but I think it's part and parcel of the game," Maguire added.

"I've played with Cristiano Ronaldo for the last couple of years, and he's one of the greatest players to ever kick a football, and he gets criticised day in and day out. So, if it's going to happen to him...

"In the position I'm in at Manchester United, I think it's part and parcel of the game – especially the position I'm in playing for Manchester United as captain of Manchester United."

Gregg Berhalter is not speaking to Gareth Southgate – or at least Southgate is not speaking to Berhalter – but the United States head coach knows the huge pressure his England counterpart is under.

Berhalter and Southgate have grown close in recent years as they have led their countries' respective national teams, with the USMNT boss describing Southgate as a "mentor" after the two sides were drawn together at the World Cup.

The outcome of that draw has seen the pair drift apart of late, however, ahead of a meeting between the USMNT and England at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.

"I've been WhatsApping him, but I haven't seen the blue checkmarks, so I don't know what's going on," Berhalter said with a smile on Thursday.

"We kind of took a hiatus. We'll pick up our relationship after tomorrow."

Berhalter has led the United States back to the World Cup after the disappointment of missing out on qualification for Russia 2018, where England excelled.

Southgate had taken charge of the Three Lions not long after their own darkest hour, a Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland.

"When he first took over, it was very similar to the position I first took over, trying to reshape the identity of the team, refocus, work with a younger group of players. In that case, it's very similar," Berhalter added.

Yet there is a difference between the situations the two men find themselves in, with the USMNT coach noting the reaction to a testing Nations League campaign for England.

"Following some of the things the last months, the pressure in the English media – or in England, in general – is tremendous, and that's different," Berhalter said.

"These guys [the media] give me a hard time every once in a while, but I don't think it's of the magnitude that Gareth gets it.

"We all know this is a results-orientated business and we're all accountable for the results we get on the field, but he's done a great job.

"You've heard me say this for the last year and a half: his record in major tournaments has been outstanding, and there's no denying that – fourth-placed finish in 2018, second-placed finish at the Euros.

"He's done a great job with this team, and they got off to a great start. They're a formidable opponent. It's going to be a difficult game for us."

Harry Kane will be fit to feature in England's next World Cup match against the United States on Friday, says manager Gareth Southgate.

The Three Lions captain picked up an ankle injury during the second half of their opening 6-2 win against Iran in Group B and was replaced by Callum Wilson.

Kane underwent a scan on Wednesday to ascertain the severity of the injury, but concerns appeared to be abated after goalkeeper Jordan Pickford confirmed he had trained alongside the rest of the squad.

Now Southgate has said his skipper will be in line to play against the Stars and Stripes in Al Khor for their second match of Qatar 2022.

"Harry is fine. He has worked slightly separately from the group but all good for Friday night," he told BBC Sport. "He had a scan [on Wednesday] to make sure everything is fine."

Southgate also confirmed Harry Maguire is set to figure after he was withdrawn midway through the second half on Monday, adding: "He was feeling ill and that was affecting his vision.

"You worry about concussion in that instant, but we were going back through all the footage and there is nothing, so he is in a good area."

England will qualify for the knockout rounds with a win over the United States, regardless of the result between Iran and Wales elsewhere in Group B.

Southgate wants to see his side into the last-16 sooner rather than later, adding: "We would like to get qualification done as soon as possible.

"The first objective is to get out of the group. We would love to do that on Friday, but the game won't be anything like Monday.

"We have to make sure we are back to the psychological place we were at the start because the States will be an athletic team, press really well, be organised [and] well coached.

"They have quite a few players we know from the Premier League. Monday was a great start, and it is that reset to be ready for Friday."

Gareth Southgate is worried and demanded "clarity" after expressing concerns England could fall foul to refereeing decisions after a pre-World Cup briefing.

FIFA referees committee chairman Pierluigi Collina used an example clip of Kalvin Phillips blocking an opponent at a free-kick to help create space for Harry Maguire to score in last year's 5-0 win over Albania.

The video was used to brief referees, competing nations and the media, on how to spot foul play from set-piece situations and seemingly worked against England in Monday's 6-2 thrashing of Iran.

Maguire appeared to be dragged down by Iran's Rouzbeh Cheshmi in the opening stages, with the referee nor the VAR intervening, before John Stones conceded a late penalty for similar on Mehdi Taremi.

Southgate admitted he fears England may fall on the wrong side of decisions after Collina's briefing, citing concerns after a "definite penalty" on Maguire.

"What worries me is we were used in an example in the referees' video," the England manager said.

"What we were shown, the incident in the first half [with Maguire] would be a definite penalty.

"Maybe there's a shirt pull [for the Iran penalty] – we've got to be better on that – but I'm a bit worried we were the example shown.

"Then to get a decision as happened in the first half, we need some clarification really as to how it's going to be."

Southgate recalled the Football Association being able to discuss penalty decisions with match officials after England's 2-1 win over Tunisia at Russia 2018.

"It happened in Russia and we've got to have that dialogue with FIFA [again]," he added.

"We want clarity. Otherwise, we don't know where we stand. Goals are going in and we don't know whether they stand or not. The bit that worries me is we were the example shown."

England face the United States in their next Group B game on Friday before a clash with Wales four days later.

Jack Grealish dedicated his goal celebration in England's rampant 6-2 thrashing of Iran in their World Cup opener to a young fan.

Grealish came off the bench to score the Three Lions' sixth in the 90th minute as Gareth Southgate's side got off to a great start in Qatar.

The Manchester City man's dance after scoring caught the attention of fans and he explained after the match it was for 11-year-old City supporter Finlay, who has cerebral palsy, the same condition as Grealish's sister.

In a letter to Grealish earlier this year, Finlay said it would be a "dream" to meet him, and when the two did meet, the 27-year-old promised to dedicate his next goal to Finlay.

Grealish told BBC after his strike and celebration against Iran: "I met young Finlay before, about a month ago, and got on really well with him obviously having cerebral palsy like my little sister.

"He asked me to do a celebration for him and luckily for him, it came at the World Cup. That's what it's all about.

"For me, it's just doing a celebration but for him, that'll mean the world to him I'm sure, especially at the World Cup. Finlay, that one is for you."

Southgate praised Grealish after the game, telling reporters: "He's a lovely human being. He obviously has a situation with his own sister and that would mean that he's very aware of the power he can have.

"He's a kind person, so we're very fortunate. We work with a group of players who have a hunger to play, they're a pleasure to work with."

Gareth Southgate revealed Harry Maguire was substituted in England's 6-2 win over Iran due to illness rather than injury.

Maguire's inclusion in Southgate's World Cup squad has been fiercely debated after he fell down the pecking order at Manchester United, but he produced a solid performance as England began their Group B campaign in scintillating fashion on Monday.

The defender's aerial presence troubled Iran throughout, and he claimed an assist by nodding down a corner for Bukayo Saka to put England 2-0 up with a brilliant volley in the first half.

Maguire was then replaced by Eric Dier after appearing to go through concussion checks after the break, but Southgate moved to ease any fears regarding his condition after the win.

"Harry Maguire felt ill. [He] flagged it before the [first Iran] goal," Southgate said. "There was no point carrying on, but other than that, no causes for concern."

Writing on Twitter, Maguire said: "I felt unwell in the second half so came off as a precaution. Looking forward to Friday."

Meanwhile, a total of 24 minutes of stoppage time were indicated throughout the game after Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beyranvand suffered a nasty head injury in an early collision with team-mate Majid Hosseini.

While Beyranvand was eventually replaced by Hossein Hosseini, Iran attracted criticism for their initial decision to allow the visibly dazed goalkeeper to continue following the incident.

However, head coach Carlos Queiroz looked to absolve his medical staff of any wrongdoing after the match, saying a broken nose was originally thought to be the extent of Beyranvand's injury.

"We thought he could keep going," Queiroz said. "It was not clear but, one minute after, the player was not able to keep going. 

"He suffered a serious concussion and is on the way to the hospital to have final examinations. 

"That's why the delay happened, because there was doubt between the broken nose and the concussion."