An hour before England's World Cup campaign was due to kick-off against Iran, it was already clear I had not dressed appropriately.

Although the worst of the forecast gusty winds and heavy rain were still some time away I was already feeling the bitter chill and wishing I had worn a bigger coat. And some gloves.

I was first into the Folkestone Harbour Arm's Goods Yard, where for years now the big screen has been a focal point for the town during major sporting events.

For previous England adventures under Gareth Southgate this has usually meant bumper crowds basking in the sunshine of summer tournaments.

This World Cup, in so many ways, is very different.

As the match drew nearer groups of friends took up their positions, the majority quite sensibly opting for seats under giant umbrellas and outdoor heaters.

Tickets for today's game were a two-tier affair. £15 would secure you a table for six in the uncovered seating down front, while for double that you could enjoy the relative comfort of the sheltered spots.

By the time the match began, following a somewhat lacklustre rendition of God Save The King, there were probably around 70 hardy souls who had decided to brave the elements to share in the communal experience.

In previous years tickets for games at the Arm have been like gold dust, selling out online in a matter of minutes.

Today there was still plenty of space to be found - and once the rain really began lashing down any unfortunate holders of uncovered tickets were soon invited to join the rest beneath the umbrellas.

Not that it made a great deal of difference. The rain was coming in sideways, and in such volumes that the outsize brollies stood no chance.

By this point my 'waterproof' jacket was proving to be nothing of the sort, and even a steaming cup of mulled cider and a spot right beneath an electric heater were no match for the chill.

Thankfully there was plenty to cheer on the pitch, with England going into the break 3-0 to the good thanks to goals from Bellingham, Saka and Sterling.

England would double that tally in the second half, with a pair of consolation goals from Iran's Taremi making the final score look a little less one-sided.

But in truth it was a rout, and a result that will give the Three Lions a boost heading into Friday's clash with the United States.

By the time the final whistle went the crowd had thinned out.

Unlike the home fans at Qatar's opener last night, they had a decent excuse: everyone was cold, wet and most definitely in need of getting into the warm.

The Harbour Arm will be screening England's games throughout the World Cup, and it's likely the turnout will be much higher for games played in the evenings and in slightly more forgiving conditions.

But those who braved it this lunchtime, to witness the start of a tournament like none we've seen before, can always say: 'I was there.'