RELIEF.

England began their World Cup campaign with a dramatic win over Tunisia thanks to Harry Kane's brace.

It's the first time England have won their opening game at any tournament since 2006.

Gareth Southgate's side thoroughly deserved the victory. They were positive, created chances, kept calm and didn't panic as the game reached the dying stages.

A draw would have seen all too familiar headlines of 'same old England' which would have been harsh.

The penalty awarded to Tunisia was controversial, although Kyle Walker's arm was raised, there wasn't any malicious or aggressive movement towards the player, who appeared to also run into the defender. It's a decision that will continue to be debated but it certainly falls into the 'soft' category.

The VAR debate is whether the referee made a clear and obvious error. That again is one for debate but a VAR review would surely have been harmless. England will feel more agrieved at not being awarded two penalties each side of half-time when Harry Kane was wrestled to the ground.

On another day the Tunisia penalty may not have been given and England's would have been but that's the way the cookie can crumble in football. The real positive is England didn't let it affect them mentally and kept pressing for that winner and got their reward.

There is only one criticism about England's display. Southgate's men should have been comfortably ahead prior to the award of Tunisia's penalty. Raheem Sterling and Jesse Lingard missed clear cut chances which is a concern because better opposition, such as Belgium, will punish England for missed opportunities.

Nevertheless, three points are in the bag and if England beat Panama, then qualification is secured prior to the Belgium clash which will mean England can play with a bit more freedom in that game.

A great performance by Southgate and the team. Kane will be vital and it was also good to see substitutes Marcus Rashford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek make an impact.

Onto Panama on Sunday.