Things we learned from England’s World Cup win over Tunisia
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England get the result their performance deserved
Harry Kane was the hero for England as the Tottenham Hotspur striker nodded in a late winner against Tunisia.
In truth, it was the least England deserved as Gareth Southgate’s side put in an impressive performance to get their World Cup off to the perfect start.
It could have all been so different but for Kane’s stoppage time winner, though. The Three Lions looked like they’d have to settle for a point after seeing a glut of great chances go begging.
The Coral News Team take a closer look at the win and four things we learned over the course of the 90-plus minutes.
Kane is king
If we didn’t know it already, England’s chances of progression in this tournament hinge of the Spurs striker.
The 24-year-old is deadly, as we know. But he is also highly ambitious and will be driven on by the chance to win the World Cup Golden Boot. After his brace tonight, he’ll be eyeing up the Panama game for a chance to edge out in front at the top of the leaderboard.
Youth paid dividends
Southgate has taken one of the youngest squads out to Russia for this summer showpiece. And it showed tonight. At least in terms of the youthful enthusiasm and will to win that saw the team keep striving for that winner.
The England manager would have been forgiven for throwing on more experience when a goal was needed. But on came Marcus Rashford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek who bought impressed in their cameos.
Henderson the quiet leader
He’s not a John Terry or a Steven Gerrard, but Jordan Henderson has definitely grown into one of England’s leaders.
The Liverpool midfielder put in a superb performance, driving his team forward relentless from the central area. He certainly led by example in Volgograd and can be proud of his display.
More to come from the young guns
Raheem Sterling and Jesse Lingard didn’t have their best games for England tonight. But there’s definitely more to come from the pair.
Tunisia sat deep and doubled up on Sterling, denying him any space. And Lingard missed a number of sitters in the first half. But they’ll have better days, and more space against the more established nations.
Plus the likes of Rashford and Loftus-Cheek’s performances from the bench provided more encouragement.
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