England needed some late magic from Harry Kane to edge Tunisia 2-1 in their 2018 FIFA World Cup Group G opener at the Volgograd Arena on Monday night, with the Three Lions skipper scoring early on and then at the death to ensure their campaign got off on a winning note.
After Kane was quickest to a rebound in the Tunisian box with just 11 minutes on the clock, it looked like Gareth Southgate’s youthful squad would trample their African opponents.
However, with Jesse Lingard and Raheem Sterling finding it easier to miss sitter rather than tuck them away, England could only maintain their 1-0 lead.
And it evaporated before half-time, with Kyle Walker’s elbow catching a Tunisian player in the England box. The match referee correctly awarded the underdogs the penalty and Ferjani Sassi promptly despatched his spot-kick to ensure the sides were level.
Twice, Kane was wrestled to the floor but much to the consternation of the England camp, penalty appeals were waved away.
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In the end, the Tottenham Hotspur forward was undeterred as he popped up with a 92nd-minute header to break Tunisian hearts.
Here are the highlights of the game:
Since Belgium beat Panama 3-0 in the other Group G game on Monday, it looks like the Red Devils and the Three Lions will be batting it out for top spot in their group as it is difficult to see either Panama or Tunisia progressing.
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England next face Tunisia on June 24 before completing their group-stage campaign with an highly-anticipated clash with the Belgians on June 28.
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The Belgium clash could be the defining moment for England as they seek to end their quest of a second World Cup title since 1966.