12 Jun 2019
With host nation Russia getting the World Cup underway with a bang, after thumping group rivals Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game, it’s left the world once again with a severe case of World Cup fever.
Tunisia are the first country to stand in England’s way on their quest for World Cup glory, and after great success in their latest two friendlies, where the results were not only good but also done with style and flair, it’s given the Three Lions the feel good factor, and expectations are starting to rise.
With the nightmares of Belgian stars looming over England heads, it is no big secret that England need to hit the ground running. Any less than three points in the opener against the African nation and alarms bells will start to ring.
Fortunately for the 9-5 workers, all of England’s group fixtures will be played out of work hours, and just in case you missed it, England’s proceedings begin at 7pm BST on Monday, June 18th.
Southgate’s first opponents are certainly not to be snubbed at. Ranked 21st in the world, they are only nine places behind England and during their qualifying and recent friendlies, they have been more than impressive, drawing to Ronaldo’s Portugal (2-2) and narrowly losing to favourites Spain (1-0). Get them to upset England and win here at 15/2.
Labelled as a team that can both play and frustrate, Gareth’s young England men need to make sure they don’t lose their heads and panic, if all doesn’t immediately go to plan.
Although, just in case you are superstitious, you’ll be happy to know that the two sides have only met twice previously - whereby one game ended in a draw and the other in an England win.
From England’s point of view, opening games don’t come much bigger than this, and Kane and co. need to make sure they come out of the blocks running.
Key Tunisian players who could hurt the Three Lions
Unfortunately for Tunisia, key man Msakni is ruled out with injury. They do, however, have another saviour in Wahbi Khazri. The ex-Sunderland player has been in great form this season for his new club Rennes, scoring nine goals and getting three assists in the French first division.
Saif Eddine Khaoui – the 23-year old midfielder - also plays in Ligue 1 and has bagged himself five goals and two assists this season, not bad at all for the youngster. Get him to open the scoring at 14/1.
Will captain Kane step-up?
For England to perform, Harry Kane needs to perform as he carries England’s biggest goal threat. His form this season has once again been formidable but he needs to deliver on the international stage when it really counts.
Year on year he is growing in experience and confidence, and now he’s been given the armband, it’s time for him to showcase his ability to the world. Get Kane to score first at 5/2.
Can an inexperienced England prove their worth?
If the players aren’t nervous before the opening game then something is wrong, but it’s how they deal with that pressure. Being a young team during the qualifiers allowed them to show no fear and if they carry that into their opening game and strut their stuff, they should come out on top. Get England to start with a bang and win here at 4/9.
The only danger lies within them struggling to break down Tunisia and panicking due to the inexperience, but with quality running through the side, it should be the first stepping stone in the World Cup coming home.
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