Tottenham’s Harry Kane scored a superb brace as England beat Tunisia late on.
Gareth Southgate’s debut at the World Cup finals as England manager got off to a flyer thanks to Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane, who scored a brace to down Tunisia on Monday evening.
Kane, 24, opened the scoring early on for The Three Lions, tapping home a loose ball inside the Tunisia box after goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha had excellently saved John Stones’ powerful header.
But Ferjani Sassi’s penalty – given for a foul by Kyle Walker in the 35th minute – saw Tunisia draw level and look to play for a point. England huffed and puffed, but could not break down Tunisia’s rearguard.
That is until Tottenham superstar Kane popped up in the 91st minute at the right place, and most definitely the right time, with a clever close-range finish to send England fans into raptures.
The win sees England get their Group G campaign off to a flyer, sitting in second behind Belgium who beat Panama 3-0 earlier on on Monday.
But England will have their Tottenham stars to thank, with Kane scoring a brace and right-back Kieran Trippier putting in a performance that arguably could have earned the man of the match trophy – had it not been for Kane’s brace.
Spurs playmaker Dele Alli did not enjoy such a good night, as he appeared to suffer some sort of muscle injury during the first half. Eric Dier was a late substitute, while Danny Rose remained on the bench.
As every England fan breaths a sigh of relief on Tuesday morning upon reflecting of the night before, here are some images of last night’s encounter – including Spurs’ excellent England duo:
England’s starting XI, including Tottenham trio Kane, Trippier and Alli.
Kane leads his teammates into celebration.
Harry Maguire wins the initial header as Kane gets ready to pounce.
Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson shone at the base of England’s midfield.
Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard leapfrogs into the team’s celebrations.
Trippier’s crossing from set-plays had Tunisia’s defence on the back foot throughout.
Kane and Trippier lead the celebrations.
Alli struggled to have an impact following a first-half knock.
England fans go wild as Kane secures the win in injury time.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford got a hand to Sassi’s penalty, but failed to keep it out.
Pure emotion from captain Kane as his brace gives England three valuable points.
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