Big Match Breakdown: Tunisia v England

Odds and tips for Three Lions’ opener

The wait is finally over. After all the build-up, and all the preparation, England get their World Cup campaign underway against Tunisia tonight.

Instead of the hype that usually surrounds England heading into a big tournament, there’s a quiet confidence about Gareth Southgate’s team this time around.

Will they get off to a good start in Volgograd? The Coral News Team have all the key info ahead of the game…

Head-to-Head

The only previous meeting between these two nations came in the Group Stage of the 1998 World Cup. Goals from Alan Shearer and Paul Scholes secured a 2-0 England win in Marseille.

England come into this game on the back of a 10-game unbeaten run – a streak that goes back to last June.

Tunisia had gone nine games without defeat before losing 1-0 to Spain in their final warm-up game.

Likely XIs

Southgate told his players his planned starting XI well in advance to ease any nerves.

According to reports, Jordan Pickford will get the nod over Jack Butland in goal. Ashley Young will start ahead of Danny Rose on the left. Jordan Henderson will play the holding role behind Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard. Raheem Sterling is set to partner Harry Kane up front.

English fans will know Wahbi Khazri can pose a threat from out wide, but the Sunderland man could start up front for Tunisia. His lack of defensive awareness could be exploited out wide. However, his quality on the ball means they need to find a place for him.

He’ll likely be supported by Saif-Eddine Khaoui, Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and Anice Badri.