Competing in their first World Cup since 2006, Tunisia knows that they face a huge task to make it out of a section which includes both England and Belgium. Tunisia has actually never been out of the group stages of a World Cup - falling at the first hurdle in the 1978, 1998, 2002 and 2006 competitions, before failing to qualify for either the 2010 and 2014 tournament. Nabil Maaloul's side has been in strong form in the lead-up to the competition, however, drawing with Portugal and Turkey in friendly matches before suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Spain on June 9.
On the other hand, looking to avoid a repeat of their embarrassing group-stage exit four years ago, England will open their 2018 World Cup challenge with a potentially tricky match against Tunisia on Monday night. There is no question that Gareth Southgate's side are the favourites to collect all three points, but they will be wary of the challenge that Tunisia could provide in Volgograd.
Belgium open Group G with a clash against Panama on Monday afternoon, and there could well be pressure on England to win by the time that they take to the field. That said, it would be a huge surprise if the Three Lions failed to make it out of this particular section. England reached the quarter-finals of both the 2002 and 2006 competition, but exited the 2010 World Cup in the round of 16, before failing to make it out of the group stage in Brazil back in 2014.
Sunderland winger Wahbi Kazri has not played since injuring his thigh at Rennes in April, but the Tunisian captain is confident of being fit for the clash with England.
Experienced goalkeeper Mathlouthi should start between the sticks, while Sassi and Skhiri are also expected to make the Tunisia team on Monday night.
A potential England XI has been leaked in recent days, and it appears that Ashly Young has been given the nod to start over Danny Rose at left wing-back, while Jordan Henderson will seemingly edges out Eric Dier in the middle of the park
Will it be a smooth win for England or will it be the Tunisians celebrating? Only the match shall decide.
