FIFA Team reporter analysis
Tarek Kadri with Tunisia
In preparation for Russia 2018, Tunisia played a series of friendlies against top opposition, performing to an impressively high standard. They first managed to hold Portugal to a draw and then provided stern competition to Spain, who only ended up scoring in the game’s dying seconds. All the members of the squad are fit, including Wahbi Khazri and Ali Maaloul, which gives the coaching staff food for thought. The team are in a fighting and optimistic mood and the players are confident in their ability.
Laure James with England
A positive start is of great importance to England, who had effectively booked their return trip from Brazil 2014 after just two games. Gareth Southgate’s men are focused, but perhaps equally importantly, relaxed. Mindset is key; Gary Cahill told us that at this stage of the competition, it’s 50 per cent talent, 50 per cent mental strength. The young squad is brimming with confidence and Southgate’s only dilemma is who to select in his starting XI.
Did you know?
The opening fixture of Group G at the 1998 World Cup was England’s 2-0 victory against Tunisia at Stade Velodrome in Marseille on 15 June 1998. Captain Alan Shearer (43′) and Paul Scholes (89′) scored the goals, while Gareth Southgate made his World Cup debut in what was his only start in the tournament.
Possible line-ups
Тunisia: Mouez Hassen; Yassine Meriah, Syam Ben Youssef, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maaloul; Ellyes Skhiri, Anice Badri, Ferjani Sassi; Fakhreddine Ben Youssef, Wahbi Khazri, Naim Sliti.
England: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane.