World Cup 2018: Tunisia vs England, 5 players to watch out for

Defending champions, Germany have been humbled by the Mexicans. Cup favourites Argentina and Brazil have been held to 1-1 draws. What a storied start to this edition of the World Cup, we’ve had so far!

Now, let’s shift our focus to Group G as England face minnows Tunisia in their opening clash at Volgograd Arena today.

Led by Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane, the Three Lions are strong favourites to progress to the round of 16 but hey, it’s the World Cup and it’s England we are talking about. So, hold your horses for now.

Garry Southgate has put together a fine ensemble of young players who, notwithstanding their inexperience at the national level, are proven performers for their respective clubs. And if their recent warm-up games are anything to go by, they are ostensibly in good hands.

Tunisia, on the other hand, are yet to win a World Cup game since 1978 and they will be itching to get the monkey off their back as soon as possible.

Currently ranked 21st in the world, the Eagles of Carthage will be without their star play-maker Yoseef Mskani and striker Taha Khenissi, down to injuries prior to the World Cup.

However, they are no pushovers and with Belgium in the group, England can’t afford any slip-ups.

While we wait for the match to get underway, let’s take a look at 5 key players who could turn the tie in favour of their national side.

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#1 Harry Kane

Harry Kane will lead England against Tunisia on Monday

Harry Kane is a definite starter in Southgate’s first XI and barring injury, he is likely to play every minute of England’s campaign in the tournament.

The 22-year-old has all the attributes of a classic no 9. He’s got pace. He is strong in the air- a trait that makes him all the more important against a highly defensive side like Tunisia.

The striker’s goal-scoring ability is a mystery to none. He’s enjoyed a phenomenal season at Tottenham Hotspur where he’s scored 44 goals across all competitions. And he has netted eight goals in his last seven appearances for England as well.

On Monday, he will have the added responsibility to wear the captain’s armband other than scoring goals.

#2 Wahbi Khazri

Khazri's offensive skills will be key to Tunisia's hopes against England

Wahbi Khazri hasn’t played any competitive game since the end of Ligue 1 season due to a thigh injury. However, in what is a big boost for the African side, he has regained fitness and was on the bench during their warm-up game against Spain.

In absence of the Tunisian star player Yoseef Mskani, Khazri will lead their frontline against England.

The 27-year-old usually operates on the left wing but it’s as a centre-forward for French club Rennes last season, he’s got 11 goals and hence, the accolades.

His ability to score from set-pieces will be a major threat to Harry Kane’s side.

With 12 goals in 36 appearances, Khazri has scored more times for Tunisia than anyone else in the squad and he has to bring his A-game to the fore if they are to get past England by the final whistle.

#3 Raheem Sterling

Can Raheem Sterling carry his club form to Russia 2018?

If you’ve watched Tunisia’s warm-up game against Spain you would know how compact they are at the back. They were able to keep the likes of David Silva and Andres Iniesta at bay for as long as 84 minutes and on Monday, they will be out there to frustrate England as well. But in Raheem Sterling, England have just the man who can break down their stubborn defence with his pace and trickery.

Sterling was a crucial figure for Manchester City in their title-winning run with 18 goals and 11 assists in 31 appearances this season and he would like to carry his club form to the tournament.

He has dominated the newspapers for reasons unrelated to football prior to the World Cup. Now is his time to shine with the ball at his feet.

#4 Jordan Henderson

Henderson will play in a more defensive role in Southgate's first XI

It is of little doubt that the Tunisians will sit back in their half for the most part of 90 minutes and depend on quick counters to unsettle the English side. England’s Jordan Henderson can come in handy here as he can break such attempts and win the ball back with his physicality and aggression.

This would in a way help the likes of Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling to play with a lot of freedom up front.

Henderson’s energy and passing ability will also be crucial in terms of controlling the tempo of the game and initiating attacks, something he has demonstrated umpteen times for Liverpool. “Games are won and lost in midfield,” they say, and his exploits might as well decide as to who wins that midfield battle

#5 Syam Ben Youssef

Ben Youssef will bolster Tunisia's backline against England

Considering the attacking prowess of England front line we have picked a centre-back from the African side as one of the key players of the contest.

Ben Youssef who plays for Kasimpasa club in Turkey, has the backing of their coach Nabil Maaloul and will be tasked with holding the backline together against England.

The 29-year-old has been their mainstay in defence for quite a while now. He was a key factor as Tunisia finished their qualifying campaign as an unbeaten side last year.

The fact that they conceded just four goals in their six qualifying games speaks volumes of their solidity at the back.