Tunisia look in Ab fab shape
ENGLAND could be in for a shock against Tunisia, according to former star man Abdelhamid Hergal.
Ex-winger Hergal, 59, is considered one of Tunisia’s finest-ever players and once lobbed England goalkeeping great Peter Shilton from 35 yards in a friendly before the 1990 World Cup.
And he says Gareth Southgate’s men could be in for a fright in their Group G opener next Monday.
“I have been really impressed with the displays and successes of the Tunisia team,” said Hergal.
“The team has some teeth, and also the means to surprise the people at home, even against England and Belgium.
“We can pick a team to get a result against England and we have the ability to make strong substitutions during the match that can make a difference.
“At a time when the domestic league is not in great shape, everyone is taking comfort from a national team that is world class.
“And the credit has to go to head coach Nabil Maaloul, who has got great performances out of a team composed mainly of players operating overseas.
“Those players have been exposed to high-level, professional demands and that has had a huge influence on the fortunes of the Tunisia team.
“The group have now developed a character and gained a notoriety that makes us all proud.
“But the moment of truth is here for a team that had not lost for a year until the narrow defeat to Spain at the weekend.
“Every player in the squad is enterprising, they all believe in themselves, and they all know what to do with the ball.
“There are no weak links in the squad, which makes the coach’s job a lot easier.”