Scoring a goal in stoppage time, Harry Kane led England to a dramatic 2-1 win over Tunisia in their World Cup opener and declared his arrival on soccer’s bigger stage.
Just when it looked like the 'Three Lions' were going to extend their disappointing run in World Cup tournaments, the England captain stooped at the far post to head home in the 91st minute.
With this, Kane became the first England player to score twice in a World Cup game since Gary Lineker in 1990.
"It's massive. I am so proud of the lads. We kept going. We spoke a lot about togetherness and we've got a great bond together," Kane said.
"There were a lot of decisions against us and maybe there was a bit of justice at the end. That's the World Cup. It's tough."
England had promised to launch their campaign with attacking football and they tore into Tunisia from the start of the Group G game, their red-shirted players buzzing into open spaces.
Kane put England deservedly ahead in the 11th minute when Tunisia keeper Mouez Hassen could only palm a strong header by John Stones towards the striker who coolly netted.
England paid the price for their wastefulness when the North Africans, who had barely begun to press forward, were awarded a penalty before the break.
Defender Kyle Walker swung an arm behind him and caught Fakhreddine Ben Youssef in the face and Colombian referee Wilmar Roldan pointed to the spot.
Ferjani Sassi, after appearing to whisper a prayer to himself, scored low to the right of Englandkeeper Jordan Pickford in the 35th minute.
(With inputs from Reuters.)
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