Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has congratulated the England team in their opening match against Iran.

Thousands of England fans watched on in Qatar and millions more tuned in back home in England as they began their group B campaign.

England scored 6-2 against the Iranian team on Monday afternoon.

The Prime Minister commended the team for their “great start" to the international tournament, Downing Street said.

PM Rishi Sunak congratulates England team on World Cup opening match victory

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s a great start for the England team and the Prime Minister would certainly pass on his congratulations to them for such a strong performance.”

The Prime Minister's spokesperson was also asked about the team taking the knee against racism during the match, the spokesman said: “Certainly we respect the decisions that teams or individual players make when it comes to taking the knee.

“It’s very much for them to decide what they think is appropriate and we respect that.”

READ MORE: Fans outraged after England don't wear One Love armbands during first World Cup match

READ MORE:Watch England fans celebrate World Cup opening match victory against Iran

Leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer has also praised England’s “immense team effort”.

Following the result, Sir Keir tweeted: “We are backing you all the way.”

The victory comes amid criticism that the England and Welsh teams will no longer wear One Love armbands during their matches. 

A joint press release was issued from the England and Wales teams announcing that they would no longer be wearing the armbands despite signing up to the One Love campaign.

FIFA said they would impose "sporting sanctions" if England Captain Harry Kane or Welsh Captain Gareth Bale donned the LGBT equality armband.

Who does England play after Iran?

England's next group game will be against the USA on Friday, November 25.

The England vs USA match kicks off at 10 pm local time or 7 pm in the UK.

They will then play Wales on Tuesday, November 29.