England - Group G
The Three Lions started off their campaign with a 2-1 win against Tunisia. Certainly, a much better start compared to 4 years ago when they lost their opening game against Italy. It wasn't a comfortable win though as their star man and captain scored right at the death to clinch them the win. As usual, England had a team with young and exciting talent but the way Gareth Southgate started them was quite a surprise. A 3 man defense comprising of Stones, Maguire, and Walker is certainly not the most reliable one. When you have Jones, Cahill, and Dier on the bench who are more used to playing in the formation and much more experienced, it would be a better choice to use them. If Walker played as the right-wing back, he would be a huge threat on the flank with his pace ahead of Trippier. The way Walker fouled Ben Youssef showed why center back is not his ideal position.
In attack too there was a surprise as Sterling started up front with Kane. Vardy is more suited to that position with his pace, work rate, and finishing attributes. Sterling is more suited to playing behind them. The players around Kane need to be more efficient with their finishing as Sterling, Lingard, and Alli squandered quite a number of chances. That's where Vardy can deliver if he gets the nod to start. Let's see if England continue their run against Tunisia.
Performance Rating - 7/10