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Tunisia v England: Three Lions finally ready to roar at a World Cup

Expectations. It's something that has weighed England down at World Cups for decades, but 2018 may finally see the Three Lions roar as fans and pundits alike finally lower their hopes of what this young side can produce.

While capable of pulling off an upset, Tunisia shape as an ideal warm up for England in Russia as Gareth Southgate's players look to find their feet.

After crashing out in Brazil, the Three Lions have won just one of their past eight World Cup games and Tunisia present an ideal chance to turn that trend around.

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Tunisia have failed to win their past 11 games at the World Cup, keeping just one clean sheet during that time but do arrive in Russia with some solid form. 

Though failing to win their final three friendlies, the Tunisians held Portugal and Turkey to 2-2 draws and were only beaten 1-0 by Spain.

Tunisia v England

England's form is far better however, with the Three Lions undefeated in over a year having held both Brazil and Germany to draws.

Boasting a young and relatively untested squad, expectations have finally been lowered for England after decades of World Cup disappointment.

While the pressure remains on England's players to perform, Southgate believes his youthful outfit have turned a corner and can put the scars of previous tournaments behind them.

"The players of the past and opportunities of the past are gone," Southgate said.

"This team is looking at things in a different way, trying to play in a different way.

"They have a hunger, a desire, we have better technical players than we've had in the past coming through our academies, so there's a real enthusiasm."

Expectation is a horrible thing, and with England finally lowering theirs, there's a real chance this Three Lions outfit can roar once again with the drone of discontent potentially set to be replaced by serious surprise. 

Article promoted in partnership with bet365. For most up to date odds, go to bet365.com.au.

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