Tunisia 1-2 England: Five things we learned

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VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 18: Jordan Henderson of England runs with the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

Tactical adjustments still required

One of the key features of this England side is the free-role for Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli. While it’s exciting to watch and gives the side two players with world-class movement on and off the ball, it also leaves scope for the opponent to take advantage of an isolated Jordan Henderson.

The Liverpool captain had one of his best games in an England shirt because of the space that was available to him, particularly in the first-half, but as soon as Tunisia began to suffocate the middle, the impact was there for all to see.

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Any tactically astute side like Belgium would take note of that and try to kill Henderson’s impact in the game from the very start, simply because they would know that his midfield partners are not going to drop back as much. Tunisia left him free the other night and missed a trick, but a better team won’t. As has been discussed before, Southgate would need to sacrifice either Lingard or Alli.