England remarkably put together 35 passes in the lead-up to Jack Grealish’s goal against IR Iran at Qatar 2022 – the most leading to a goal in World Cup history.
Every Three Lions player, including goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, touched the ball in the move. It began when Declan Rice took a short free-kick and ended 86 seconds later. Jude Bellingham played an unequalled nine of the passes, including a wonderful one that enabled Callum Wilson to cut it back for Grealish to tap home.
It broke the record for the most passes preceding a goal shared by two teams at 25. Argentina achieved the feat with Esteban Cambiasso’s effort against Serbia and Montenegro at Germany 2006, and England followed suit with Harry Kane’s against Panama at Russia 2018.
England’s pass masters break new ground
Highlights: England 6-2 IR Iran
Esteban Cambiasso goal v Serbia and Montenegro
Beckham’s redemption strike
Watch: Gazza thrills in lions’ clash

