England got their World Cup campaign underway to positive start after they beat Tunisia 2-1 in Volgograd this evening.
In a game that Gareth Southgate’s men were expected to win, an underwhelming English side just managed to stutter past a determined Tunisian side that were determined to put a dent in England’s attempts to reach the last 16.
England who will have Harry Kane to thank once again, started the game in a positive manner and they were unlucky not to be ahead in the opening 10 minutes as Jese Lingard and Raheem Sterling missed two glorious chances to take the lead whilst England dominated possession.
However England’s luck was set to change as that man Kane struck again when manged to tap an easy opener after the ball fell to his feet despite a terrific save from the Tunisian Goalkeeper to deny John Stones from an Ashley Young corner.
England who were buoyed from their opening goal were unlucky not to be further ahead as Lingard, Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire missed a bag full of chances to extend the lead and put the game out of sight.
However despite their dominant display England were made pay in the 35th minute when Kyle Walker gave away a needless penalty when he deliberately fouled Ben Youssef by catching him with his trailing arm under a high ball.
The second half became a rather dull affair with the Tunisian’s becoming rather defensive in their approach which left the English with the lion’s share of possession.
Although England were a large amount of time on the ball in the second half, the resolute Tunisian defence stood firm to frustrate an English side eager to take three points.
However the decisive moment came in the 91s minute when that man again, Kane, popped up to nod home the winner from a John Stones flick on following a Kirean Trippier corner.
The win which was less than impressive now means England sit joint top of the group with Belgium, who took full advantage of their own destiny by beating Panama 3-0 earlier today.