Ian Wright reacts to England goal against Wales at Qatar World Cup
France play Tunisia looking to remain perfect at the Qatar World Cup as Group D comes to a close.
A place in the last 16 for Didier Deschamps’ side is secure, but they will be determined to secure top spot here, while Jalel Kadri’s side must pull off a shock against the world champions to stand a chance of advancing.
Kylian Mbappe has been one of the stars of the tournament and, alongside Olivier Giroud, might be determined to play and boost his hopes of winning the golden boot after a double against Denmark.
But Deschamps is poised to rotate and ensure his side is fresh for the next round of matches, with Argentina a possible opponent in the last 16.
Follow all the action with our live blog below – plus all the action in the other game between Australia and Denmark here.
Tunisia vs France
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France players urged to take human rights stand at World Cup by sports minister
The French sports minister urged the national football team to make themselves heard amid a row over Fifa’s threat of sanctions for the “OneLove” armband.
France are not among the seven teams, with French football federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet saying it would “follow the guidelines of Fifa”.
Michael Jones30 November 2022 14:15
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Tunisia vs France
The fans are arriving at the Education City stadium. France are already through to the next round so Didier Deschamps has made nine changes to the starting XI.
Those changes in personnel may just open the door for Tunisia to get the win they need to have a chance of getting out of the group. It’s unlikely as France’s squad is full of quality but Tunisia would rather face Randal Kolo Muani over Kylian Mbappe.
(Getty Images)
(REUTERS)
Michael Jones30 November 2022 14:12
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France manager Didier Deschamps hails World Cup match-winner Kylian Mbappe
Mbappe scored twice in a 2-1 victory over Denmark as the 23-year-old became the second player after Brazil great Pele to score seven or more World Cup goals before their 25th birthday.
“What can I say about Kylian?,” said France manager Deschamps, who is seeking to repeat Les Bleus’ 2018 World Cup triumph in Qatar. “I’ve said it time and time again. He is decisive and makes a difference. He is an exceptional player in an exceptional team.”
Michael Jones30 November 2022 14:08
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Tunisia vs France
This will be the first competitive meeting between Tunisia and France but they have met four times with France winning all four matches.
Tunisia have won just two of their 17 World Cup matches and have yet to score in the 2022 World Cup. However, they need to defeat France today if they want to make it through to the knockout rounds.
Michael Jones30 November 2022 14:01
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Tunisia vs France team changes
There are loads of changes from both teams today. Jalel Kadri keeps just five of the players that lost to Australia in the starting XI and brings Wajdi Kechrida and Ali Maaloul into the defence.
Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazri starts up front.
Didier Deschamps makes nine changes to the French team as they have already qualified for the last 16. Only Raphael Varane and Aurelien Tchouameni remain in the team.
Kylian Mbappe starts on the bench.
Michael Jones30 November 2022 13:54
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Tunisia vs France line-ups
Tunisia XI: Dahmen, Kechrida, Talbi, Meriah, Maaloul, Ghandri, Ali Ben Romdhane, Laidouni, Skhiri, Slimane, Khazri
France XI: Mandanda, Disasi, Varane, Konaté, Coman, Guendouzi, Tchouaméni, Fofana, Veretout, Camavinga, Kolo Muani.
Michael Jones30 November 2022 13:47
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Kadri’s hopes are high for victory against France
Tunisia boss Jalel Kadri believes his players can achieve something special this afternoon as they prepare to take on reigning champions France needing a win to keep their World Cups alive.
“The message I convey to our players is nothing is impossible, we are still alive, we are still motivated and we will ready for this last battle,” Kadri said.
“We still have high hopes. “I believe in the players and hopefully we will be lucky and move onto the next phase.”
Michael Jones30 November 2022 13:44
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England evolve and embrace a new strength at World Cup
Daniel Sturridge got one. So did Wayne Rooney. And that, it transpired, was the sum total of England’s goals in the 2014 World Cup. They had only mustered one more in 2010, Steven Gerrard, Jermain Defoe and Matt Upson the scorers.
So when Marcus Rashford brought up a century of World Cup goals for England, it underlined how few arrived in the years immediately before Gareth Southgate’s appointment. Some 23, almost a quarter, have come for a manager often deemed conservative in his style of play. If that is aided by the generosity of Panama and Iran, conceding six apiece in group games separated by four years, a second-half trio against Wales means England have only ever scored more goals in two World Cups than their nine now: 2018 and 1966. They are the top scorers in 2022. Not bad for a team being held back by a supposedly puritanical manager.
If the difference with the Fabio Capello and Roy Hodgson years lies first and foremost in the quantity of goals, the new element is the identity of the scorers. It is no secret England have been over-reliant on Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling in Southgate’s reign, particularly in tournament football when their next likeliest finishers seemed to be Harry Maguire and John Stones.
Michael Jones30 November 2022 13:39
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England turn attentions to ‘big business’ after World Cup win over Wales
Gareth Southgate said the “big business starts now” after Marcus Rashford’s brace helped England reach the World Cup knockout phase with a comprehensive victory against Wales.
The 104th meeting of the old rivals ended with last year’s European Championship runners-up wrapping up top spot in Group B on Tuesday evening at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.
Rashford’s brilliant free-kick and fizzing strike came either side of Phil Foden’s goal in Tuesday’s 3-0 triumph against Wales, who head home as England gear up for the last 16.
Michael Jones30 November 2022 13:33
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Tunisia vs France
Tunisia have it all to do if they want to challenge for a spot in the knockout rounds and must defeat current World Champions France this evening.
As things stand in Group D, France have already qualified with two wins from two whilst Australia are second on three points with Tunisia and Denmark sitting on one point apiece.
Tunisia’s best chance of making it into the knockout rounds is a draw between Australia and Denmark or a low-scoring Denmark win followed by a victory over France by two goals or more.
That’s not an easy task at all.
Michael Jones30 November 2022 13:28