Prediction: Tunisia vs England

Prediction: England win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: William Hill

While the World Cup may have been underway for a few days now, many fans won’t feel like it’s truly kickstarted until England get their campaign going – and we’re less than 24 hours away from that happening. Gareth Southgate’s men will take on a resolute Tunisia side who are considered to be one of the best African nations in the tournament this year, and while both sides won’t be expected to go on and win it all in Moscow next month, they’ll be confident that they can cause a few surprises along the way.

Tunisia

Tunisia may not be one of the most notable sides in the tournament for their star power, but they’re certainly an effective unit from top to bottom. They’re one of the most well organised African sides in recent memory, they had very little trouble in qualifying for the World Cup this year, and they seem to be brimming with confidence. There’s no real hype surrounding them aside from the fact that they’re the team who are scheduled to face England first, and that’ll suit them just fine.

Team News

Khazri will be Tunisia’s biggest threat, while Ben Youssef will be tasked with handling Harry Kane.

England

For the last few decades, English football fans have been treated to a series of disappointing results in international tournaments featuring some of the biggest names in the game. This time around the squad is much younger, there are fewer egos involved, and there just seems to be more of a quiet confidence surrounding the camp. England are quietly going about their own business with very little controversy off the pitch, and that could lead to one of their best performances in recent memory.

Team News

The Maguire or Cahill dilemma will be settled tomorrow, with Alli & Sterling set to serve as England’s main midfield threats.

Factors to Consider

• England are unbeaten against Tunisia with one win and one draw, including a 2-0 win at the 1998 World Cup.
• Tunisia have won two, drawn three and lost one of their last six games.
• England are unbeaten in their last six games with three victories and three draws.
• Tunisia’s next group game will come against Belgium next Saturday.
• England’s next group game will come against Panama next Sunday.

Conclusion

The nerves and tension surrounding any given World Cup always lead to a few surprises, as we’ve already seen in the first handful of games. With that being said, there’s a certain level of professionalism surrounding the England squad that we haven’t seen in quite some time. They’ll go into this game with little pressure on their shoulders, and if they can implement their game plan early, then they could have a lot of success. We think that Tunisia will be able to frustrate them throughout large periods of the game, but one goal early in the second half will be enough to get Southgate’s men started with a narrow 1-0 victory.

Prediction: England win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: William Hill