Meet the Tunisia danger men England need to be wary of
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It’s déjà vu for England tonight, as they face Tunisia in a World Cup opener, just as they did 20 years ago at France ’98.
The Three Lions breezed to a 2-0 win that day, but they’ll have to be wary of Tunisia’s top men this time around.
The Coral News Team take a look at the difference-makers in Nabil Maaloul’s ranks…
Ali Maaloul
The talented full-back (no relation to the boss) has been a mainstay for the Eagles of Carthage since making his debut in 2013. A creative presence on the left flank, Maaloul has racked up eight assists in his 49 international outings.
Reliable and mobile, he’s also a tidy player at the back – and will prove tricky to get past for whoever occupies England’s right flank. And while he’s yet to score for the national side, the 28-year-old has racked up a hefty 40 goals at club level.
Wahbi Khazri
The powerful Sunderland midfielder spent last term on loan at Ligue 1 Rennes, netting 11 goals in 29 outings. And his record in front of goal for the national team is similarly impressive, with 12 strikes in 37 international caps.
Having been installed as captain for the recent friendlies against Iran and Costa Rica, there’s no doubt how much he means to Tunisia.
Coral’s traders make him the North Africans’ joint-favourite to net against England, with 7/2 for Khazri to Score Anytime.
Naim Sliti
The 25-year-old played a crucial role in France’s top-flight for Dijon last term. A pacy midfielder with an impressive range of passing, Sliti is also good for a bit of individual magic, as he proved with last season’s breathtaking solo goal against FC Metz.
A man for the big occasion, Sliti netted vital goals in the wins over Algeria and Zimbabwe in last year’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign. The odds make it 11/2 for Sliti to find the net against England.
In the Match Betting, it’s 8/1 for a Tunisian victory, with 16/5 for the Draw and England the 4/11 favourites.
Click here for the latest England v Tunisia odds from Coral.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
