England confident ahead of World Cup opener against Tunisia

After embarrassing exits from the past two tournaments, an inexperienced Three Lions side kicks off a new era under manager Gareth Southgate. St. Petersburg, Russia (dpa) - Jesse Lingard says England will be fearless at the World Cup. Harry Kane says they must be brave. Whatever the buzzwords, they mark the start of a new era for the Three Lions. England open their World Cup against Tunisia on Monday as a bit of an unknown.
Defender Gary Cahill is the only player with more than 40 caps in a squad with an average age just under 26 years. But Lingard says manager Gareth Southgate has instilled plenty of confidence in the inexperienced side. "Southgate has come in with the mentality to play with freedom, play without fear, and you will enjoy your time more," the midfielder said.  "So, as a group of players, that is what we are going to do - enjoy our football, play with no fear and play exciting football at the same time."
England are looking to bounce back from unceremonious exits the past two tournaments. They crashed out at the World Cup group stage four years ago and were shocked by minnows Iceland in the last 16 of Euro 2016. Gone are the familiar names of the past - Gerrard, Rooney, Lampard and Terry among them - all replaced by newcomers eager to make their own marks.
"The aim is to be aggressive and brave in possession," team captain Kane said. "That's what we are trying to instil into the team. "We want to take this tournament head on. There will be tough moments, and ups and downs. "We are aiming to win the first game, then to target the second, and take that attitude to the World Cup."
England are unbeaten since the Iceland defeat while Tunisia's 1-0 loss to Spain in their final World Cup tune-up ended a nine-game unbeaten run.  Southgate hasn't revealed much about who will be starting, but Fabian Delph says the players have a pretty good idea. "We've worked on various different systems with various personnel," the midfielder told reporters on Saturday.
"The team's not guaranteed, there could be changes. "But from the set-up that we've done, it's pretty clear who's going to be starting. Forward Marcus Rashford returned to training on Friday after missing the previous two days with a minor knee problem, meaning the full squad is eligible for selection.  "Everybody will be behind the team that's picked to play," Delph said.
"Everybody will have a part to play, whether that's in training or in games. "When you're called upon, you're expected to give nothing less than 100 per cent." Though things have been quiet in the England camp this week, it's felt like an eternity to Phil Jones. "We just have itchy feet now waiting for our game on Monday night," the defender told Sky Sports. "The mood in the camp's good, with the World Cup underway, the lads are really enjoying it. "We're excited and can't wait to get going."