Harry Kane scored twice as England beat Tunisia 2-1 in their opening game of the 2018 World Cup.
Below are four talking points from the match at the Volgograd Arena.
1. England lack clinical edge but ultimately deserve win
There were plenty of positives to take from England’s showing in the first half in Volgograd. Their passing was sharp and there was dynamism to their movement, with Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard’s runs from deep causing Tunisia all kinds of problems. England fully deserved the lead that was given to them by Kane in the 11th minute, but they should have increased their advantage further by the time their opponents were given the chance to find the net from the penalty spot.
Jesse Lingard and John Stones spurned the most clear-cut chances, while Raheem Sterling was fortunate that his sliced finish was immaterial after the offside flag was raised. It looked for a long while like those misses would prove costly, but Kane popped up in second-half stoppage time to earn England all three points.
2. Tunisia grow in confidence as game goes on
Tunisia were fortunate to be awarded a penalty in the 35th minute, with Kyle Walker harshly punished for a perceived foul on Fakhreddine Ben Youssef. Ferjani Sassi made no mistake from 12 yards and the North Africans successfully held on to ensure they went in at the break with the scores level.
Tunisia seemed to grow in confidence after the interval, with England unable to create the same quality of chance they fashioned in the first half. Nabil Maaloul’s charges are accomplished in possession and demonstrated a willingness to try and play around the England press; although they did not have many scoring opportunities of their own in the second half, they did a good job of disrupting their opponents’ rhythm and making it difficult for the Three Lions to build up a head of steam. It was not quite enough, though, and they now must avoid defeat against Belgium to keep their chances of progression alive.
3. England struggle for creativity when transitions shut off
Many of England’s best moments in the first half came in transition, when they were able to break forward into space at speed. Tunisia sat increasingly deeper as the game wore on, and Gareth Southgate’s men struggled for creativity when they were tasked with breaking down a well-structured defensive block.
The passing became a little flat and there was zip and spark to England’s overall play, with their off-the-ball movement also slowing down. A set-piece was once again required to edge them back in front, with the unmarked Kane steering Harry Maguire’s knockdown into the back of the net late on.
4. Late goal could be crucial
There is still a long way to go in Group G, but there is no doubt that a draw here would have significantly narrowed England’s margin for error. Instead, they have taken the initiative in the race for top spot, even if Belgium currently occupy first place following their 3-0 victory over Panama, the weakest team in the segment.
England now know that a win against Panama on Sunday will essentially see them through to the knockout stage with a game to spare. They did not have everything their own way in their opening encounter against the Tunisians, but Southgate’s side deserve credit for creating the better chances and, in the end, finding a way to triumph.
