A header that changed it all: How England’s late win over Tunisia got the ball rolling for their tournament success

As England prepare for their 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, they will be reminded of how integral a first win may prove to be after their last fairy-tale run. The Three Lions, having been dumped out of the Brazil World Cup at the group stages, entered Russia with a point to prove, and with the expectations of a nation on their shoulders, reached a semi-final for the first time since 1990. Although the run came to an end at the hands of Croatia, things could well have proved to be different if their opening game had gone differently.

England jet off to Qatar having massively improved in tournament football. Gareth Southgate’s side are amongst the favourites to win the competition for most fans placing World Cup bets, alongside Brazil and reigning champions France. But things were much different in Russia 2018, with that fear of the unknown almost proving a blessing in disguise.

They began the campaign with what should have been a straightforward match with Tunisia. An oft-present, yet underwhelming World Cup side, their opponents had little pedigree in comparison with some of the players in the England side. However, with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard retired, Southgate lacked a real world-class player. The pressure was on, but expectations had certainly plummeted. That was until Harry Kane gave his country the lead in the 11th minute.

Despite controlling much of the possession, England had struggled to create anything. Kane’s goal was a by-product of some shoddy set-piece defending from the Tunisians, and the African side’s response was impressive — so much so that they waved enough players forward to earn a penalty inside half an hour. Ferjani Sassi converted from 12 yards to punish England for their complacency and while many felt it came against the run of the play, it was more than deserved for the fight Tunisia showed throughout the first half.

It was perhaps the kickstart England needed, and they would go on to dominate the remainder of the game. Having squandered a handful of chances though, it looked like a typical England tournament performance — another false dawn. England kept plugging away though, with Kieran Trippier, who would go on to play a crucial role in that memorable summer, providing a great out ball from the right-hand side.

After packing out the penalty box you could see desperation set in. With the game in its dying embers, one of England’s plethora of well-worked corners was eventually rewarded when the ball deflected into the path of Kane, who headed home his second from close range. Queue jubilation from the travelling fans and victory for England.

“I was most proud of the way we kept playing even though the clock was running down,” Southgate said after. “We stayed patient, and didn’t just throw the ball in the box.

“We deserved the win. We were strong on set-plays all night. If we’d drawn, even though it would have made life more difficult for us, I’d have been proud of the performance.”

As England return to the World Cup to take on Iran, they’ll be looking for a similar stroke of luck to kickstart the 2022 campaign — facing the United States and Wales after in the Middle East.

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