England got off to the perfect start at the World Cup in Russia yesterday evening with a hard fought victory over Tunisia.
The Three Lions came out in Volvigrad with their pedal to the metal – creating no less than three clear cut chances in the opening five minutes.
Misses from Jesse Lingard and Raheem Sterling, the latter of which will surely go down as the miss of the tournament despite him later being adjudged offside, were followed by Harry Kane’s opener – the captain slotting home after John Stone’s saved header.
Missed chances proved costly ten minutes before the break when Tunisia struck home the equaliser from the penalty spot.
About last night… #threelions pic.twitter.com/6uJM05nkht
— England (@England) June 19, 2018
Kyle Walker’s reckless arm on Fakhreddine Ben Youssef saw the Tunisians awarded a controversial spot-kick, which Ferjani Sassi converted calmly.
England plugged away in the second-half, again creating numerous chances, but had to wait until extra-time for all three points when Harry Kane added his second of the game from a corner.
England play Panama, who lost 3-0 to Belgium earlier on Monday, in their next Group G game on Sunday.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Mostly un-tested but ready when needed. Came close to stopping Sassi’s penalty in the first-half.
Kieran Trippier – 7.5
Got forward well and provided excellent delivery – his two corners resulting in both England goals.
Kyle Walker – 6.5
Comfortable at centre-back out of his natural position. Naive error cost England the lead.
Harry Maguire – 8
Excellent World Cup debut, proved Gareth Southgate was right to start him over Gary Cahill.
John Stones – 7
Great on the ball as per usual, and dominant in the air – unlucky not to find the net had it not been for a brilliant stop from Ben Mustapha.
Ashley Young – 6
Up-and-down well, however lacked a final ball and refused to deliver on his left-foot.
Jordan Henderson – 9
Man of the Match. England’s engine room and was key in providing creativity in the final third.
Jesse Lingard – 7
Showcased some great skill and teed up multiple chances for his team-mates. Should have scored himself, however.
Dele Alli – 5
Quiet. Will be lucky to keep his starting place.
Harry Kane – 8.5
Match-winner and captain’s performances. Two goals, and should have been awarded multiple penalties after being man-handled in the box by Tunisia defenders.
Raheem Sterling – 5.5
Played with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Bright, but needs to do more in front of goal.
Substitutes
Eric Dier – 6
Safe. Will be solid option for England when they need to shut-up shop.
Marcus Rashford – 7
Met with a huge roar after being sent on. Energetic and positive with the ball.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 8
Short, but brilliant cameo. Changed the game and put in a huge start to shout against Panama.