England vs Tunisia: Can Gareth Southgate get off to a winning start?

England begin their World Cup campaign against Tunisia on Monday. Can Gareth Southgate’s side achieve a winning start?

At the time of writing, the England squad just landed in Volgograd. Traveling 1,700 miles from their World Cup training base in Repino.

Preparations for their World Cup opener against Tunisia are fully underway. We preview the tie here, by asking: can Gareth Southgate produce a winning start?

Sky Sports expects 2,500 Three Lions’ supporters in the Russian City to welcome the team. This number will vastly increase for Monday’s game.

With no problems anticipated, British police are on the scene as a precaution. Sky says Russia’s security service will hold back if the fans behave. Most noteworthy is the fantastic atmosphere already enjoyed at World Cup 2018.

England’s preparations

Training began last week with running drills and light gym work. Coaches moved players on to more rigorous drills and introduced the football as the week commenced. Subsequently implementing full-22 matches. Where, a probable team has emerged.

Jordan Henderson celebrated his 28th birthday as the Lions completed their final Repino training session.

Manager Southgate and captain Kane shall speak in a pre-match press conference in Volgograd before playing.

Squad players and furthermore, the FA, show a happy relaxed team in a beautiful part of Russia.

Repino holds the camp. An area of St. Petersburg on the Finnish Gulf, boasting a beach and an evidently friendly population.

Welcoming the players warmly was traditional tea and a salt bread. Security at the base being described as, strict.

During BBC Sport‘s World Cup Preview, Eric Dier spoke of the bosses ‘style rubbing off on them and staff’. Not to mention having a faultless ‘environment’.

There is plenty to keep the players occupied with, away from exercise. Their hotel has many activities and a lack of anxiousness, as opposed to previous national side encampments.

England lineup revealed

Gareth Southgate has revealed the starting side to his players. Fabian Delph told a presser he was not at liberty to divulge information. Yet he said tactics are perfected, as well as the team being ‘ready to go’.

An apparent team mentality is strong. While the 28-year-old, practically elder statesman in the squad, believes Southgate has selection correct. Despite his own apparent omission.

Although, Delph may have to leave Russia quickly. Having received permission, because his wife is due to go into labour.

Pf90 reported the likely team on Saturday. Repeat full numbered training session games, gave media outlets like TalkSPORT clear indication. A deduced manifestation by likely starters continually tried together. Named below, if accurate, is the team:

Jordan Pickford, favoured over Jack Butland in-goal. Ashley Young and Kieran Trippier as wing-backs. Danny Rose and Trent Alexander-Arnold inevitably missing out.

Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker combine as a defensive three. Phil Jones and Gary Cahill assume backup status there.

Southgate prefers Jordan Henderson over Dier in the midfield holding role. Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli play more forward centrally.

In addition to Raheem Sterling, along with Harry Kane leading the line. Marcus Rashford may have started if fully fit. One can describe the prospective lineup as an attack minded, 5-1-2-2.

A 3-3-2-2 with width is my classification. St. George’s side should approach the game with confidence and no fear. Tunisia, with all due respect, are there for the taking.

A focused Trippier talks of giving ‘100 per cent’, ahead of his tournament debut. Being tipped for set-pieces, he told Sky Sports of an exuberant, Alli-influenced, emotional celebration on scoring.

Tunisian test

While Delph conveyed England’s belief, he explained his thoughts on Tunisia. Manchester City’s auxiliary left-back says Tunisia play similarly to his club, claiming:

"“They play how we like to play football and move the ball around fast. We won’t be able to just roll them over. They’re an inform team. They’re very confident, very comfortable on the ball. We will have to be on our toes. We’ll have to implement our game plan spot on.” – Fabian Delph (Via: Sky Sports News)"

When analysing the Tunisian football mentality, we find a coach willing to take risks to achieve goals. Nabil Maâloul proclaims they will play with ‘no fear’:

"“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.” – Nabil Maâloul (Via: Guardian)"

Coherence is now prevalent since the Eagles of Carthage’s satisfactory qualification. Their 4-2-3-1 could be antithesis to an increasingly dying 3-5-2, which the Three Lions deploy.

Required is Sterling’s pace and Guardiola-perfected one-twos, to penetrate a well organised and technically proficient Tunisian outfit. Hopefully Kane will have his ‘shooting boots’ on.

Tunisia like to play possession football, with emphasis on methodical build-up play. A man-to-watch is Troyes midfield playmaker Saif-Eddine Khaoui. That man may help them to ‘probably take points off England’, per the Telegraph.

Next: Armed guards secure Three Lions' base

What will the score be when these Group G nations clash at the Volgograd Arena on Monday?

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