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England player ratings vs Tunisia: reaction to winning start

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /
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VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 18: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England tackles Mohamed Ben Amor of Tunisia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 18: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England tackles Mohamed Ben Amor of Tunisia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

Substitutes

Marcus Rashford: 7

Rashford entered the fray with half an hour to go. With him, an apparent message from the coaches: “turn it up a bit”, BBC Sport commentary assumed it read. An immediate electricity filled the air with his involvement. Which was swift and direct. Trying to force intricate edge-of-box moves unsuccessfully.

Constantly he attempted to find space, or the ball. Dribbled past Tunisians to productive ends, like set pieces. Certainly boosted morale as 90 minutes approached. There is more to come from him.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 7

On Loftus-Cheek’s competitive debut, the 22-year-old provided expectation. Chelsea’s midfielder did not disappoint, attacking wilfully and forthrightly. Sequentially lifting his teammates. A huge contribution by helping win the corner that led to the winner.

Eric Dier: N/A

Tottenham’s versatile player only had one-and-a-half minutes to impress.

Reaction on Twitter

Former England striker Gary Lineker was impressed with crisp passing. Many of us Englishmen were, especially in the first 15 or so minutes.

Whereas, when the Eagles of Carthage equalised, the official FA account Tweeted encouragement.

The Three Lions’ supporters wanted a penalty too. Finally the victorious goal came via FIFA man-of-the-match Harry Kane.

Since benefitting from captain Kane’s heroics, Southgate must now prepare his squad with a similar strategy. Another difficult underdog test awaits, Panama. Complacency will surely lead to misfires. Victory requires strength and relentlessness against the well-drilled Panamanians.

Next: Armed guards secure Three Lions' base

Which side will top Group G: England or Belgium, who won 3-0 on Monday?

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