Two-goal hero Harry Kane earns a 9 with match-winning performance in England's 2-1 victory over Tunisia

Sport360 staff 01:31 19/06/2018
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  • Harry Kane starred for England in their 2-1 win over Tunisia.

    Entrusted with the captain’s armband, Harry Kane rose to the occasion, scoring an injury-time winner to lead England to a 2-1 win over Tunisia in their first match at the World Cup.

    He scored their opener as well, before rescuing them when England looked headed for a draw.

    Here’s how Kane and his teammates rated.

    STARTING XI

    Jordan Pickford 6 – Made a game attempt at keeping out Sassi’s penalty, diving the right way and getting close. Had one hairy moment when he dashed towards the corner flag but did his job.

    Kyle Walker 6 – Aghast to be at the centre of England’s first World Cup drama. Guilty of giving the referee a decision to make perhaps, but can question whether the rules were applied equally elsewhere. The incident appeared to stifle the rest of his contribution.

    John Stones 7 – Might have scored the Three Lions’ first of the tournament had his powerful header not been pushed into Kane’s path. Made at least one important interception and a timely block and can be content with his evening’s work.

    Harry Maguire 7 – Emerged from some dicey moments at the back, including a loose pass just after Tunisia’s equaliser which almost caused major trouble. Charged up field with confidence and regularity in the second period and used his presence to help set-up Kane’s winner.

    Kieran Trippier 8 – Offered a lively outlet on the right and a dangerous set-piece taker too. A little too gentle when striking a promising free-kick but looked thoroughly accomplished and played his part in the winning goal.

    Ashley Young 6 – Helped provide the opener with a well-taken corner and might have laid another on for Lingard had the latter summoned a better finish. Wasted a late free-kick and was occasionally left scrambling defensively.

    Jordan Henderson 6 – Played an imperious pass over the top in the opening seconds and continued offering classy distribution during England’s strong start. Could not maintain those lofty standards and failed to rally the midfield when the game broke down.

    Jesse Lingard 5 – The ball followed the Manchester United midfielder in the first half and he really should have finished one of a hatful of chances which came his way. Touched one effort against the outside of the post but this was his day to be the star and he erred.

    Dele Alli 7 – Dynamic from the first whistle and centrally involved as England pieced together two goal-worthy opportunities in the first few minutes. Appeared to be struggling with a first-half knock before shaking it off. Tried to pick the lock but substituted with 10 minutes to go.

    Raheem Sterling 6 – Scuffed a big chance at the far post at 0-0 and struggled to turn his electric pace into viable end product in his advanced attacking role. Was selected as the most expendable when Gareth Southgate decided to change things.

    Harry Kane 9 – England’s captain got their night off to the perfect start when he sidefooted home and ensured it ended in celebration not recrimination when he turned his last-gasp header inside the near post. Manhandled in the box at least twice but never lost his cool.

    SUBSTITUTES

    Marcus Rashford 6 –  Given just over 20 minutes and made some bright runs but when offered a sight of goal he chose to dummy not shoot.

    Ruben Loftus-Cheek 7 – Offered an energetic presence for the last 10 minutes, cutting in from the right on a couple of occasions and raising the tempo.

    Eric Dier N/A – A late addition to see England over the line in added time.

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