England ratings and analysis: Harry Kane earns pragmatic and stylish England deserved victory

ByEurosport

Updated 19/06/2018 at 06:20 GMT

We cast our eye over Gareth Southgate’s men as England took on Tunisia in their first World Cup game in Volgograd.

Southgate

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THE FORMATION

England lined up in the favoured 3-5-2 that Gareth Southgate established in the March friendlies against the Netherlands, Italy and Nigeria but the national coach has made a slight tweak of personnel. Jordan Henderson took over the Eric Dier role flanked by Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli in a midfield three for the Three Lions.

Ashley Young was preferred to Danny Rose with England attempting to get as much width as possible.

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In practice the formation was a fluid one as both Alli and Lingard had licence to join the attack at will and support the front two of Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling, making it a front three or four on occasions.

Kane and Sterling were expected to provide the goals as England attempted to join Belgium at the top of the group following Roberto Martinez's team's 3-0 win over Panama earlier on Monday.

In the end, it all worked out gloriously even if the night did not go to plan.

THE VERDICT ON SOUTHGATE

Southgate came into the game on an unprecedented wave of goodwill among the media and fans. Expectation levels will be on the rise, but this England squad conduct themselves well on and off the pitch.

It was all going swimmingly for the England coach until Kyle Walker was deemed to have felled Fakhreddine Ben Youssef in the 33rd minute. The first change came when he introduced Marcus Rashford for Raheem Sterling on 67 minutes with the game hitting a lull that was more suited to Tunisia than England.

Harry Kane of England in celebrated by fans while leaving the pitch following his side 2-1 win during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd.

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Ruben Loftus-Cheek took over from a struggling Alli on 79 minutes as England attempted to find a way through the stodginess in front of them. Great managers are also lucky ones, and Southgate may look back on Harry Kane's late winner as the start of something very special.

England deserved this win, and it will do their manager no end of good as he builds a stylish, vibrant side, the youngest England team at a World Cup finals since 1958.

PLAYER RATINGS

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford – 6

Got close to saving the penalty, but had nothing else to do apart from picking the ball out of the net for Ferjani Sassi's equaliser that he almost saved.

Central defender: Kyle Walker – 5

Unlucky to concede the penalty, but got himself into a position which allowed the penalty to be conceded. Must be more aware as such lapses could be punished against better sides than Tunisia later in these finals.

Central defender: John Stones – 6

Little to do in defence, violently brilliant header to help create England’s first goal and scuffed a shot when he seemed likely to give his side a lead after a frantic goalmouth scramble. A decent night's work.

Central defender: Harry Maguire – 7

A few misplaced passes but excellent on the ball and at attacking set-pieces. Was instrumental in the play that allowed Kane to head the winner as he met Kieran Trippier's corner with real menace amid a Tunisia defence toiling to cope with piercing deliveries.

Right wing-back: Kieran Trippier – 8

Outstanding delivery from set-pieces, can contribute more in open play but certainly enjoyed an enjoyable debut at a World Cup. Will grow in stature after this outing.

Midfielder: Jordan Henderson – 8

Passed aggressively and helped set England’s first-half tempo. Kept the play moving towards the Tunisia goal, and proved a vital cog in England's midfield as his side chased the winner against a side hellbent on holding out for a point.

Harry Kane (England)

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Midfielder: Dele Alli – 6

Good until he got injured, anonymous thereafter. And should probably have been removed at half-time. Finally made way for Loftus-Cheek with 11 minutes of normal time remaining.

Left wing-back: Ashley Young – 7

Solid and a decent attacking outlet, though crossing was both very good and very bad. Also knocked a free-kick over the bar, an area of play that England must work on between now and the second group game against Panama.

Midfielder: Jesse Lingard – 7

Movement and imagination were crucial when England were at their best but his finishing must improve.

Striker: Raheem Sterling – 6

Lively in the first half, lucky to last as long as he did in the second half.

Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring his team's first goal with team mates during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd.

Image credit: Eurosport

Striker: Harry Kane – 8

There when his team needed him, taking his goals with minimum fuss and maximum prejudice, as is his wont. A true world class striker, who seems to score goals when the mood takes him. With a bit of help from VAR, would have scored a hat-trick.

SUBS

Striker: Marcus Rashford – 8

Injected pace and intensity when England were flagging, and is now threatening Sterling for his starting spot. Will be interesting to see if he is given the nod for the match with Panama that should seal England's place in the last 16.

Midfielder: Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 8

His combination of touch and physique make him an awkward man to mark, and his introduction gave England push which resulted in the winning goal

Midfielder: Eric Dier – 6

Only played a couple of minutes, but may see more action as this tournament progresses.

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