Harry Kane grabbed both of England's goals as they saw off a resolute but ultimately poor Tunisia side in Volgograd on Monday night. They left it late but the three points is all that matter in a tricky opener for Gareth Southgate's side.
England started off with gusto and had the lead through their captain from a corner. After 11 minutes and with an injury to Tunisia's number one, it seemed like it would be a comfortable Enland win.
Kyle Walker caught Fakhreddine with an arm to the face in the penalty area, however, and Tunisia were awarded a penalty. Ferjani Sassi slotted it home despite Pickford's fingertips threatening to keep it out.
Tunisia backed off in the second half and didn't really deserve anything from the game. They played delicate, brave and intricate passing in the middle but had no out ball and Wahbu Khezri up front was famished for ball up top. England pressed and pressed and nearly pushed Tunisia's defence back behind the goalline but couldn't find the elusive.
That was until Kane headed home a Harry Maguire flick-on from a corner to see England win all three points in a testy and tiring affair on Monday night. They play Panama next while Belgium face Tunisia in what could be a decisive game in the group.
AS English
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