'We're here to win World Cup' - Pickford raves about Bellingham after 'statement' win

England's No.1 had an enjoyable time in goal during the Three Lions' World Cup opener, seeing his teammates put on an attacking clinic against a rated Iranian side.

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Despite a star showing from FC Porto's Mehdi Taremi, who fired in a brilliant strike and then bagged from the penalty spot, England were able to control the game.

Pickford was as impressed as anyone and said the performance and result shows his team are in Qatar to win the World Cup.

"We know why we're here, we want to win the tournament," the Everton man said.

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"We know how hard it's going to be to win the tournament but we're ready for it.

"There's always going to be challenges in football matches and Iran's defensive record is very good.

"To score six goals against them in the first group game at the World Cup is a really good statement for us as a team and to build on as well for us as a group moving forwards to the USA game."

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The man who opened the scoring, Bellingham, completed a stunning display in his World Cup debut at the age of 19.

The Borussia Dortmund midfielder continues to impress at such a young age, and Pickford is a fan on and off the pitch.

"He's a great lad, young lad but very mature," he said.

"I think with him being at Dortmund you can see he's got leadership qualities already being captain already at Dortmund.

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"His performance the other night was unbelievable for his debut in the World Cup, it was magnificent, he's a great lad, still a young lad, but quality."