African side, Tunisia, made their way back into World Cup finals round since their last participation back in 2006 and they are keen on making this year’s tournament in Russia a memorable one for their country.
One of the best way of achieving that dream is certainly by shocking one of top teams, such as their first opponent in group G, England.
Although taking down Gareth Southgate’s men will be a tough challenge, but Tunisia have been preparing well before starting their World Cup adventure, playing in some high level friendlies, in which they performed quite well.
Although results in that type of games can not be taken as an actual indication of a team’s full quality, but at least it brings out huge amount of confidence for Nabil Maaloul’s side ahead of their match against Three Lions.
England themselves will also be keen on getting all three points as they haven’t one a game in World Cup finals since eight years ago, when they defeated Slovenia in South Africa.
That relatively long drought of victory will be an additional motivation for Southgate’s team in overcoming their African opponent this Monday.
Although Three Lions have more prestigious players on paper, but it remain to be seen on whether their relatively young age will be an obstacle for them in performing well.
Knowing that both teams are hungry for victory, this encounter could be an exciting match for football lovers all over the globe.
Probable starting line up:
Tunisia : Mouez Hassen(g); Yassine Meriah, Syam Ben Youssef, Dylan Bronn, Ali Maaloul; Ellyes Skhiri, Anice Badri, Ferjani Sassi; Fakhreddine Ben Youssef, Wahbi Khazri, Naim Sliti.
England : Jordan Pickford(g); Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane.
