CAT OUT TO TAME LIONS
Sunderland winger winning his fitness battle
SUNDERLAND star Wahbi Khazri is hopeful of playing some part against England – but does not expect to manage 90 minutes.
The Tunisia winger (above), who impressed last season on loan at Ligue 1 outfit Rennes, has not played since suffering a thigh injury in April.
But he has been taking a full part with the national side in recent days and expects to be available for action against the Three Lions – and former Black Cats team-mate Jordan Pickford.
“I’m already training with my team-mates,” Khazri said. “I feel pretty good – I’m happy to go back to work and play. I may not be able to play the 90 minutes, but what really matters is that I can help the national team.”
The Eagles of Carthage are rated as outsiders to qualify from Group G, behind England and Belgium, but Khazri is ready for the challenge.
“We are aware that we have a really tough group,” he said.
“We know who the favourites are to advance, but we have a good team, which plays well together.
“Let’s fight for it.”
Tunisia defender Yohan Benalouane insists his country are determined to reach the knockout stages to celebrate their return to the biggest stage.
The Africans are back for the first time since 2006. Leicester centre-back Benalouane (below) said: “The first objective is to get through the first round as it would be amazing for our country. To have a good World Cup with all my team-mates will be a good thing.”
The 31-year-old is on course to face his clubmates Harry Maguire and Jamie Vardy. He admits it will present him with a tough test after Vardy’s 20 Premier League goals last season. He added: ”It’s always a pleasure to meet other people from my team in the World Cup. It will be a big challenge for us,. “Vards is always difficult, because he is an electric man. We have to be focused, because we know his quality.”