Manchester United’s players have had a mixed start to their World Cup campaigns. But how will four of them get on tonight as England take on Tunisia in Group G?
Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic can be quite content with how they have started their World Cup tournaments. Pogba scored the winner for France in a cagey 2-1 win over Australia. Whilst Matic controlled proceedings against Costa Rica to enable his side to a 1-0 victory.
Contrary to the two United midfielders, David De Gea and Marcos Rojo had disappointing starts. De Gea was at fault for Portugal’s second goal in the 3-3 draw as he parried Cristiano Ronaldo’s shot into the bottom corner.
Marcos Rojo assisted Sergio Aguero to give Argentina the lead against Iceland on Saturday. But it wasn’t enough to secure victory as moments later the underdogs equalised.
So the attention now switches to Group G where four Englishman will be hoping to do Manchester United proud, as will Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini. But for England, they will be hoping to win their first World Cup match in four games when they take on Tunisia this evening.
England vs Tunisia Preview
Three Manchester United stars will be hoping to make their World Cup debuts when England open their 2018 World Cup account tonight. Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford have never played a World Cup fixture before. Phil Jones, the only United player who’s travelled to Russia having played in a previous tournament.
Lingard and Young look the most likely two to start the match. Lingard was handed the number seven shirt by Gareth Southgate when the squad numbers were announced. A number worn previously for England by United legend David Beckham.
Young has been fighting over the left-wing back spot with Tottenham’s Danny Rose. However, when Southgate picked his stronger XI in the friendly against Nigeria, Young was part of that team.
Rashford was part of the other XI who played against Costa Rica, however, he made sure he gave Southgate something to think about. A magnificent 30-yard screamer from the 20-year old ensured the England manager has tough decision to make ahead of tonight’s match.
Predicted XI: 1 Pickford, 2 Walker, 5 Stones, 15 Cahill, 12 Trippier, 7 Lingard, 8 Henderson, 20 Alli, 18 Young, 10 Sterling, 9 Kane. (352).
England will be desperate to start well to relieve a country’s weight off their shoulders
Due to England’s shortcomings at the last World Cup in Brazil four years ago. Many fans have spoken about the low expectations for this year’s tournament. However, whenever that first game comes around there is renewed hope and optimism sprinkled across the land.
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Despite the positive signs off the pitch, it’s irrelevant if England can’t perform at a major tournament on it. Therefore, the direction England could head in if they win or lose, couldn’t be more extreme. A win could be a springboard for a new era. If they do, I believe Southgate’s men could win the group. But a loss could reopen so many recently stitched-up wounds.