Day two of the FIFA World Cup 2022 was enthralling, with two hard-fought encounters – Netherlands outlasting Senegal 2-0 and the US and Wales playing to a 1-1 draw – and one goal fest courtesy of six-star England.

There was plenty to take away from the three matches. Here are 10 takeaways for our OBSERVER ONLINE readers.

1.England are real contenders

Coming into the World Cup, there were many questions facing this England team on the back of a series of lacklustre efforts this year. However, after a commanding 6-2 victory against Iran, the Three Lions signaled their intent to make a serious challenge for the title.

2.Jude Bellingham bump in price tag

The 19-year-old Borussia Dortmund player announced himself to the world as he scored England’s first goal and played an integral role in their demolition of Iran. The teenager, after several months of being touted the ‘next big thing’ continues to attract interest from clubs across the world. Certainly, this performance could add a few millions to his price tag.

3.Sterling is no wingback

Take notes, Graham Potter. Having struggled under the Chelsea boss this season in a variety of different positions including wingback, Raheem Sterling showed against Iran what he’s capable of when played in his preferred attacking winger role. He scored his first ever World Cup goal and always looked dangerous, capping off a stellar display with a goal and assist against the Iranians. Fun fact: Sterling scored his first World Cup goal at the Khalifa International Stadium where Jamaican sprint queen Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won the fourth of her five 100m world titles in 2019.

4.Harry Maguire still Southgate’s main man in defence

After being left out of multiple lineups at club level, Southgate put his trust in the defender to secure England’s backline. Despite battling injury, Maguire headlined a solid English defence and for long periods of the game kept the Iranian attack at bay before being substituted after 70 minutes.

5.Mendy not at his best

Despite playing well, the Senegalese team were denied three valuable points as Chelsea’s number one, Edouard Mendy, was arguably at fault for the concession of two late goals. Senegal were arguably the better team but a lapse in judgment from Mendy – who may be a bit low in confidence after being benched by Chelsea earlier this season – established a pathway for the Dutch to win the match.

6.Senegal to be alright without Mane

Despite losing talisman Sadio Mane at the last minute, the Sengalese held their own against the Netherlands, despite going down 2 – 0. The African nation played well but was denied by defensive lapses in the latter part of the match.

7.Cody Gakpo, one to watch

The 23-year-old Netherlands international introduced himself to the world with a late header against the Senegalese. The attacker over the past few months has been linked with a move from PSV Eindhoven with clubs such as Manchester United gunning for his signature.

8.Georginio Wijnaldum, a big miss in the midfield

The absence of Georginio Wijnaldum, a mainstay in the Dutch midfield, was apparent as, at times, the Dutch were overran in the midfield by the Senegalese. The 32-year-old misses the tournament with a fractured tibia.

9.Jamaican connection

Despite the Reggae Boyz’ failure to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, two players with Jamaican roots managed to bag goals. Alongside Raheem Sterling, Tim Weah, born of a Jamaican mother and Liberian legend George Weah, was on target in USA’s opening match as they drew 1-1 with Wales.

10.Missed opportunity for the USA

In a fast pace game in which they had the better of play, Concacaf representative USA conceded a late equalizer which will it make it harder for them to qualify out of the group. Up next, the Americans meet favourites England before facing a potentially tricky encounter against an Iran side with extra motivation against their political rival.