England manager Gareth Southgate praised his side’s patience after a narrow 2-1 win over Tunisia in their FIFA World Cup 2018 opening game on Monday.
Southgate also lavished praises on striker Harry Kane, whose two goals saved England the blushes at the Volgograd Arena. England made a superb start when Kane lashed the home from close range in the 11th minute, but the lead lasted 24 minutes before Tunisia drew level from the penalty spot through Ferjani Sassi.
“No matter what system we play, the important thing is when you are attacking you still have structure in your play. What pleased me was that we kept the control and composure,” he told reporters.
“Maybe tonight we could have run out of time. But I believe the best teams in the world have that belief in what they are doing and in the end they break teams down.”