World Cup rewind: Same old Engl— new-look England!

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Harry Kane of England celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-2 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 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /

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With England heading for a disappointing draw against Tunisia in Volgograd on Monday night, Harry Kane came to the rescue, heading in the winner in stoppage time to give the Three Lions their first win a World Cup opener since 2006.

Gareth Southgate’s side looked as youthfully exuberant as he could have hoped in the early stages, missing several good chances even before taking the lead through Kane in the 11th minute.

Then things got dicey, Kyle Walker giving away a penalty from which Tunisia equalized, and the game generally descending into the sort of slow, monotonous contest that has been all too common for England at World Cups.

There would have been a lot to like about the performance even if Kane hadn’t come up with a winner, but it’s quite possible no one would have noticed. Just as well then. England’s most likable team in years keep the positivity on their side.

Elsewhere in Group G, Belgium cruised past Panama, winning 3-0 after a slow start to the game. Dries Mertens’ opening goal was a stunner, while Romelu Lukaku got on the score sheet twice, his first the result of a wonderful assist from Kevin De Bruyne.

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With Eden Hazard also playing well, providing the assist for Lukaku’s second and playing a role in the buildup to his first, Roberto Martinez’s side have reason for cautious optimism, even if Panama were weak opponents.

As for the first game of the day, Sweden vs. South Korea, the less said the better. Sweden won 1-0 thanks to a second-half penalty awarded by the VAR, and South Korea’s spent the post-match press conference fixating on the opposing players’ height. Strange.

Tuesday’s action begins in Group H as Colombia play Japan (8 a.m. ET). Poland and Senegal then face off in Moscow (11 a.m. ET), before Russia try to build on their excellent opening performance against Egypt (2 p.m.).

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