MARTIN KEOWN’S GUIDE TO TUNISIA
AYMEN MATHLOUTHI (Goalkeeper)
He may be their experienced, first-choice keeper but there are doubts he will start. Has not been in good form since moving to Saudi arabia in January and mouez Hassen — who started two of Tunisia’s three warm-ups — could replace him. Hassen was on loan at Southampton in 2016-17 but did not play a game.
DYLAN BRONN (Right back)
One of six French-born players in the side, the Gent defender was playing as an amateur less than two years ago. He is more of a centre half than a full back and england can get at him. When he presses, Tunisia’s centre backs tend to stay deep, leaving plenty of space for england’s runners to exploit.
SYAM BEN YOUSSEF (Centre back)
Tried and trusted defender who has been to two africa Cup of nations and starts ahead of Leicester centre back yohan Benalouane. Failed to make the grade at Leyton Orient in League One during a brief spell in 2012 where played at right back, or sometimes even as a makeshift striker.
YASSINE MERIAH (Centre back)
THe cornerstone of Tunisia’s defence who played almost every game in qualifying. He can also play in central midfield and — unusually for a centre back — takes the penalties, scoring his first international goal in the 2-1 win over dr Congo in September. Has spent his entire club career in Tunisia.
ALI MAALOUL (Left back)
HaS been struggling with a hamstring injury. if he misses out it will be a real blow for Tunisia. maaloul is an overlapping full back who loves to get forward and has a good delivery. He could really test Kieran Trippier. Oussama Haddadi, the dijon defender, comes in if maaloul misses out.
FAKHREDDINE BEN YOUSSEF (Right wing)
iT iS not often you see a 6ft 2in winger. He reminds me of david White! While he may not be the most technical, he works hard and will get back to help his full back. He won the Tunisian title three times but now plays his club football in Saudi arabia, where he is team-mates with ex-Cardiff City man Filip Kiss at al-ettifaq.
ELLYES SKHIRI (Centre midfield)
THe montpellier midfielder, who was born and raised in France, won his first cap in march, helping Tunisia beat iran 1-0 in a friendly. He gives Tunisia legs in midfield and will fill in between the centre halves to help develop play from the back. impressed with his reading of the game in Ligue 1 this season.
FERJANI SASSI (Centre midfield)
a deep-LyinG midfielder who plays for al-nassr in Saudi arabia. Scored in Tunisia’s 2-2 draw against Turkey before the World Cup but can go missing in matches. earned his move to europe from Tunisia in 2015 with French side metz, but struggled to make an impact in Ligue 2.
ANICE BADRI (Left wing)
HeadS into the tournament with two goals in Tunisia’s three warm-up matches, including a thumping drive from the edge of the box against Turkey. The Lyon-born winger plays in Tunisia for esperance after starting his career at Lille. progress was inhibited as a youngster when a herniated disc kept him out for a year.
WAHBI KHAZRI (Attacking midfield)
HeLd up as their star man. dangerous from dead balls but can be hit and miss, as we saw at Sunderland. Has been nursing a thigh injury but should start. Saifeddine Khaoui — tasked with pressing Sergio Busquets in a friendly against Spain — would deputise.
NAIM SLITI (Striker)
WiLL be relied upon for goals with youssef msakni ruled out of the tournament through injury. The dijon forward is a good technician who holds the ball up well and can pick a pass to bring team-mates into play. it is vital that england get the ball off him quickly.