Anticipation is high following England’s first win in the opening game of a major tournament since beating Paraguay in 2006. This dismal record was one of the reasons that expectations were reasonably low for England as they headed into this World Cup. Most fans understood that Gareth Southgate was building a young squad and that  this tournament is to be used as a learning experience for future tournaments. However, the relaxed atmosphere amongst both the  fans and the media was never going to last. England won their first game in dramatic late fashion, whilst other major teams like Brazil, Argentina and Germany have faltered. This World Cup is wide open and after a reasonably impressive opening win can England be placed  amongst  the favourites? Let’s take a look at the positives and negatives from the England Tunisia game.

Harry Maguire/John Stones- Harry has received a lot of stick from pundits and fans alike; I find this mystifying. He provided England with considerable impetus; driving with the ball out of the defence and making a huge arial impact on both ends of the field. He did give the ball away in a few dangerous areas, but at least he was positive and took on the responsibility to make things happen. Stones looked composed throughout.

* Loftus-cheek certainly impressed when he came on, his ability to receive the ball in tight situations is something the team previously lacked. His huge frame and power allows him to protect the ball, and he has the confidence to receive the ball in any area of the pitch and turn, Jordan Henderson take note.

* The Sterling problem? After an unbelievable season for Manchester  City Sterling has been unable to replicate his club form for his country. With only 2 goals in 39 games for his country, Sterling has often flattered to deceive. Sterling has improved his end product massively this season and has proven he can be a key member of a great team. But this England team isn’t yet that. Sterling needs to be more of a leader on the pitch and take on the impetus to drive this team forward. If not Rashford should be given a chance.

* Ashley young needs to be dropped for Danny Rose – He looked far too predictable on the left wing, constantly chopping back on to his right foot. His inability to beat his man and drive down the line made him one dimensional. Compared the brilliant Kieran Trippier, who created 7 chances during the game and provided width and an outlet throughout. Danny Rose would be the logical option as a left footed player to really stretch the game for England.

* England often looked disjointed while attempting to apply a high press, making it too easy for Tunisia to beat the press and play out. Better teams will exploit this to better effect and if Southgate cannot improve this against Panama or Belgium then it would be wise to sit a little deeper against stronger teams, as last night England often looked far too open against a poor team.

* HARRY KANE – stated before the game that Ronaldo had applied the pressure by scoring a hatrick and then predicted that he himself would do the same. Although he fell one goal short of this prediction, I think England fans will forgive him after the England captain inspired us to victory with two crucial goals. It is fantastic seeing an England player heading to a major tournament with confidence and belief in his own ability, and then backing it up on the pitch. England have been accused of being mentally weak on the bigger stages in the past, but it seems Kane is breaking down this perception one goal at a time.

* Jordan Henderson/Eric Dier dilemma: was good to see that Southgate did not start with both as holding midfielders, something that previous managers have been afraid to do. It set the tone for a positive England display, however Henderson still sometimes has an inability to play forward and too often takes the easier pass, especially against teams that press us more effectively, meaning that he puts a lot more pressure on the back three to create. He needs to take more responsibility on the ball as the instigator of England’s attacks.

Its great  to see an England team start so well – for their first twenty minutes you could see Southgate had got them playing without fear, something rarely seen in a major tournament. Looking at the opening round of games no one team has really set the mark as the best in the tournament and England shouldn’t be afraid of anyone.