The final match of a bit of a manic Monday at the World Cup is the one we’ve been waiting a long time for as England get their tournament underway when they play their Group G opener against Tunisia in Volvograd.
These two sides met in the opening match of the 1998 World Cup when England won 2-0 and Gareth Southgate and his men will be eager to repeat that outcome. Tunisia are underrated but dangerous which could make this a nervy watch.
Tunisia
Possibly the biggest surprise in African qualifying was the progression of Tunisia because they have really been a second string side in that continent for a while but having made it to this tournament they won’t want to leave too early. That said we’ve seen three African sides in action so far and we’re still waiting for their first goal.
If you watched the recent friendlies, or warm up matches, against Portugal and Spain you might be concerned as an England fan. They levelled from 2-0 down against Portugal and had chances to win and they got in behind and opened the Spanish up in a late 1-0 defeat too. If they are going to do anything in this tournament they will need to take their chances.
England
It is a weird position to be in as an Englishman because everything seems to have gone right and Gareth Southgate seems to have matriculated the build up to this tournament perfectly. There is a harmony in the camp but a hunger, desire and more importantly a belief that they can make their mark on this competition.
England have warmed up for the tournament well on the pitch too having fought credibly and avoided defeat against Germany and Brazil earlier in the season and then seeing off Nigeria and Costa Rica in warm up games. You worry a little for England in defence the deeper they go but their array of attacking options is actually quite exciting.
Team News
It looks like the man known to Sunderland fans, Wahbi Khazri, will be fit for this match while Ali Maaloul is also expected to be available but Youssef Msakni’s knee injury meant he was left out of the squad which was a blow.
England boss Gareth Southgate has apparently told his players who is going to play in this match but he has not shared the information with anyone else. Harry Maguire is expected to start in defence though with Raheem Sterling preferred to Marcus Rashford, who is fit.
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Betting
As English fans we go into the first game of any tournament with an air of trepidation because quite simply England have a terrible record in them but they have a chance to end all that nonsense here. Tunisia might see this as a match to have a go in and try and get something out of as beating Belgium, which they would need to do if they lose here in order to qualify, would seem a little fanciful.
I happen to think that will make for a good game of football and as a result I’m happy to take over 2.25 goals. I fancy England will create a lot of chances in this match with their attacking options but they may get caught on the counter attack but a Tunisia side who flooded forward in that recent defeat to Spain. This has a 2-1 or 3-1 feel to it to me so I like the overs to end the day.
Tips
WON – Back Over 2.25 goals for a 4/10 stake at 2.01 with Karamba
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