TEAM NEWS
Wahbi Khazri is set to be available for Tunisia, although he may lack match fitness, having not played since April after injuring his thigh with Rennes.
Full-back Ali Maaloul should also be fit despite a hamstring problem, but key forward Youssef Msakni was left out of the squad because of a knee injury.
England players have reportedly already been told their starting line-up.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson, centre-back Harry Maguire and forward Raheem Sterling are all tipped to play.
TUNISIA LINE UP
22 Mouez Hassen (Goalkeeper)
11 Dylan Bronn (Defender)
2 Syam Ben Youssef (Defender)
4 Yassine Meriah (Defender)
12 Ali Maaloul (Defender)
8 Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (Forward)
17 Ellyes Skhiri (Midfielder)
13 Ferjani Sassi (Midfielder)
9 Anice Badri (Midfielder)
10 Wahbi Khazri (Forward)
23 Naïm Sliti (Midfielder)
ENGLAND LINE UP
1 Jordan Pickford (Goalkeeper)
2 Kyle Walker (Defender)
5 John Stones (Defender)
6 Harry Maguire (Defender)
8 Jordan Henderson (Midfielder)
12 Kieran Trippier (Defender)
7 Jesse Lingard (Midfielder)
20 Dele Alli (Midfielder)
18 Ashley Young (Defender)
9 Harry Kane (Forward)
10 Raheem Sterling (Forward)
OVERVIEW
An unusual state of calm has surrounded England’s build-up to this tournament; limited tabloid hysteria, a level-headed manager and low-key expectations all contributing to an air of serenity, tattoos aside.
This is Gareth Southgate’s first major tournament as manager but he’s handled things like an old pro, adept at speaking to the media and seemingly in sync with his squad. The England boss played two games at the World Cup in 1998, including against Tunisia, and he will be aiming to repeat the 2-0 victory that day, secured by goals from Alan Shearer and Paul Scholes.
Tunisia will be suitable opponents to test England. Hard to break down and tidy in possession, their style is one England have struggled against before. They have the longest active World Cup winless streak of any side competing in Russia, with no win in 11, but they qualified undefeated. Their only loss so far in 2018 came against Spain, a creditable 1-0 defeat that was not settled until the 84th minute.
VIEW FROM BOTH CAMPS
Tunisia head coach Nabil Maaloul: “We are in form. We know very well we are in an extremely tough group but we have raised our game, especially in terms of our athleticism.
“Everyone has seen how well we have played in the warm-ups. We are determined to go down in history.”
England manager Gareth Southgate: “We have been working on a system of play we think suits the players we have available and the style of play we want to implement.
“Everyone at home wants England to win but they want to see them play well and enjoy their football and that’s what I want as a coach.”
LAWRO’S PREDICTION
This is a banana skin for England but I don’t foresee any slip-ups for Gareth Southgate’s side.
Prediction: 0-2
