Gareth Southgate has been preparing with the same side all weak but Jordan Pickford's lack of experience may be a problem
AFTER months of build-up, it all starts here for Gareth Southgate in Russia’s south-west.
Tunisia may not be the worst of opening fixtures but England fans will know that World Cup matches against so-called lesser teams are never straight-forward.
Tunisia know they have to beat either England or Belgium if they are to have any chance of reaching the last 16.
THE NATION EXPECTS: There is cautious optimism among England fans with Southgate overseeing a new playing style with younger players.
However, most realistic fans will be wary of the players' hopes of winning the World Cup when you consider the team finished bottom of the group in 2014 - and lost to Iceland in Euro 2016.
This is Tunisia’s first appearance at the tournament since the 2006 World Cup when they managed just a point - against bottom side Saudi Arabia.
Despite upbeat comments from the manager, the fans’ expectations are not high.
STAR MEN: Harry Kane needs to deliver for England - and his performances at Euro 2016 were a massive disappointment.
But after another successful season, despite an injury towards the end, it would be a surprise if he struggles once again.
Wahbi Khazri Has become Tunisia’s star man after becoming a massively important player for Rennes in France while on loan from Sunderland. Plays on either wing.
WEAKEST LINKS: For England, the goalkeeper situation is a big worry.
Jordan Pickford has played just three times for his country which is incredibly inexperienced.
You have to hope Pickford comes through Monday's game error-free.
The loss of Youssef Msakni through injury is a massive blow for Tunisia and they do not have a genuine star player in the team.
LIKELY LINE-UPS AND TEAM TALKS: Gareth Southgate has been playing with the same team all week in training.
He told the players the starting XI on Saturday but may leave it later for future games.
Probable team: Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Jordan Henderson, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane.
Probable team: Mouez Hassen, Dylan Bronn, Syam Ben Youssef, Yassine Meriah, Ali Maaloul, Ferjani Sassi, Ellyes Skhiri, Anice Badri, Saif-Eddine Khaoui, Naim Sliti, Wahbi Khazri
Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul likes to change his tactics but is set to use a 4-2-3-1 system with Khazri playing in a central role - even though he generally plays on the wing.
BEST BET: Don’t expect too many goals. Maybe England 1-0.
PREM TSAR IN THE MAKING: Winger Naim Sliti, 25, is a tricky player on loan at Dijon from Lille. He is due to start on the left.
