World Cup 2018: Four reasons why England’s win against Tunisia could prove pivotal for their campaign

Harry Kane's dramatic late winner against Tunisia, gave England their first win in the opening game of a major tournament, since the 2006 World Cup. The first 30 minutes were truly exceptional, as England forced and pressurized the Tunisian players with their energy and dynamism. There was an added creativity and spark to the England side, as they created several chances.

Unlike in tournaments gone by, England played with a method and a clear plan. However, in the 35th minute, a lapse in concentration from Kyle Walker gave Tunisia a penalty, which Ferjani Sassi put away. The majority of the second-half looked slow and labored, as England probed and searched for any possible opportunity.

It seemed as though another promising England performance would end in an underwhelming draw. Harry Kane however, had other ideas and in the dying moments of the game, gave England all three points, with a neat header. The victory could prove vital for England and could help them finish top of the group and avoid the big teams in the round of sixteen.

A good start generally means a good tournament

Harry Kane’s injury-time header gave England their first win, in the opening game of an international tournament, since the 2006 World Cup, where they beat Paraguay 1-0. The three lions’ first game of the 2010 World Cup perfectly summed up the feeling of disappointment.

A Robert Green howler from a tame Clint Dempsey shot meant England ended up with only a point. This left doubts as to who should be in goal, as David James replaced Green for England’s remaining games. The 2016 Euro’s started off in a similar fashion, as England dominated the play and were one-nil up against Russia until a stoppage-time header from Vasili Berezutski earned Russia a valuable point.

In both occasions, failure to win on the first day, meant an eventual second place finish in the group. This ultimately led to the humiliating defeats against Germany and Iceland. The 2006 World Cup remains England’s joint best finish at a major tournament since the turn of the century, which therefore highlights the importance of winning the opening game.

Harry Kane firing on all cylinders

Harry Kane scoring England's winner in the 91st minute

For a team to do well in a major tournament, they must have a potent striker. Harry Kane’s two goals against Tunisia, puts him in good stead for the rest of the World Cup. After England’s first group game, he declared that “Ronaldo is the best in the world, up there with Messi, but the challenge is to be there with them”, highlighting his ambitions for this year’s tournament.

The 24-year-old has certainly shown his credentials at club level, with two Premier League golden boots to his name and over one hundred goals for Tottenham. However, his disappointing Euro 2016 campaign raised doubts about his ability on the international stage, as he failed to score a single goal.

The last English golden boot winner from a major tournament came in Euro 96, where Alan Shearer topped the scoring charts with 5 goals. 1996 was also the last time England went beyond the quarter-finals of any international championship. If England are to have a good tournament, it is pivotal Harry Kane finishes high up in the scoring charts.

Good spirit amongst the England team

The England players celebrating together after Harry Kane's opener

In recent weeks and months, many former England internationals such as Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick have referenced the lack of team spirit and bond within the camp. For many players, the experience of playing abroad with their national team is unbeatable, but for Michael Carrick, the experience couldn’t have been more different. He admitted in an interview earlier this year that he said, “I'd been in the squad a long time and I'll be honest, I was finding it hard going away with England”.

Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard also talked about how many England players were unable to put aside their intense rivalries at club level. Marcus Rashford himself said that Gareth Southgate’s group of players, “really is a team” compared to the Euro 2016 team. The win against Tunisia should allow England to develop this unity and spirit, which they will need against Belgium in particular.

There are tougher tests to come

Belgium starting eleven against Panama

The England team can definitely take encouragement and confidence from Monday's win. There will, however, be more stern tests to come, in both the group stage and the knock-out rounds, should England make it past the opening round. Tunisia are by no means minnows, as their world ranking of 21 puts them higher than any other African team.

They are not, however, comparable to the Belgian national side, which boasts a vast array of talent and some of the world's best players. England will have to cope with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Dries Mertens; by no means an easy task.

For large parts of the game, England could find themselves on the back-foot needing to defend with their backs against the wall. England's ability to create one last opening and clinch the win against Tunisia was a demonstration of resilience and steel; two things they will need against the Belgians and any future opponents.