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England World Cup questions for Gareth Southgate after win over Tunisia

Gareth Southgate and Ruben Loftus-Cheek during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia.
Image: Gareth Southgate could turn to Ruben Loftus-Cheek against Panama

England are off to a winning start at the World Cup - but there are still key decisions for boss Gareth Southgate to consider before their next match against Panama on Sunday.

The manager said he was proud of his team's performance in the 2-1 victory over Tunisia on Monday night, despite needing a Harry Kane injury-time header to seal the three points.

However, form, injuries and the quality of England's next opponents raise questions for Southgate and his coaching staff to mull over in the coming days…

Stick with three at the back?

Switching England's formation to incorporate a three-man defence has been one of the successes of Southgate's reign so far. It has provided stability at the back, security when playing out and options in midfield and attack.

However, there was a feeling in the second half against Tunisia, as England dominated possession and territory and their opponents sat back to soak up the pressure, that the third centre-back was unnecessary. Would the introduction of an attacking midfielder in place of Harry Maguire or Kyle Walker have helped unlock the Tunisia defence?

Image: How many partners should John Stones have in defence?

England are likely to control proceedings against Panama on Sunday - the Central American side had just 38 per cent possession in their 3-0 defeat to Belgium - and the dilemma is likely to be breaking down a compact defence rather than being troubled at the other end.

"It helps to be able to switch between two systems but, for me, that would both be with three at the back," Southgate said in October. It will be interesting to see if he stands by that view now or if he considers a flexible approach against weaker opposition.

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Sterling or Rashford?

Marcus Rashford's stunning strike in the friendly against Costa Rica sparked debate about whether he should start ahead of Raheem Sterling in attack. While the Manchester United man's knee injury, which kept him out of England training for a couple of days last week, made Sterling's selection against Tunisia a straightforward one, the pair's contrasting performances on Monday night will have reignited the discussion.

Sterling and Southgate during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia.
Image: Should Southgate stick with Raheem Sterling against Panama?

Sterling's blushes were spared by the offside flag when he fluffed a simple finish early in the first half, but the Manchester City man was short of his scintillating best in Volgograd and was replaced by Rashford on 66 minutes.

Eager to make his mark, Rashford brought energy, direct running and a real goal threat to England's play, helping to re-energise them as they toiled in the heat and humidity against a determined Tunisian defence.

Given Sterling's superb season for City, it would be tough on him if he were demoted to the bench against Panama - but if Southgate feels Rashford is in better form right now, he may well be tempted to change his attack.

Alli alternative?

One decision he may be forced into making is finding a replacement for Dele Alli, who, after a bright start, was limited by a thigh problem until he was subbed off with 10 minutes to play.

"Hopefully I'm OK," Alli said after the game, and with almost a week until England's next fixture, there is time for the Tottenham attacker to recover. But Southgate will have to keep an alternative in mind.

Image: Dele Alli is an injury doubt for England's next game due to a thigh problem

The manager turned to Ruben Loftus-Cheek on Monday night and the 22-year-old embraced the opportunity on his competitive debut for his country. Calm, composed and flamboyant at times, Loftus-Cheek looked confident and assured as he exchanged the ball with England's front men around the box.

Fabian Delph or Eric Dier would be other central midfield options but with the onus on England to attack against Panama, Loftus-Cheek is seemingly in a strong position to make his first World Cup start, should Alli's thigh problem persist.

Young or Rose?

Another selection query for Southgate could come at left wing-back. It was one of several positions up for debate before England's opener and remains a talking point, with Danny Rose waiting in the wings and challenging Ashley Young for his starting spot.

Young did little wrong against Tunisia but it was perhaps the fine performance of Kieran Trippier on the other flank which increased the feeling England could do with more potency down the left.

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Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett brings us the latest from the England camp following their win over Tunisia

Trippier produced twice as many crosses as Young (10 v five), found his target with more than double (seven v three) and also produced three times the number of key passes as Young (six v two).

Those key passes - balls which lead to a team-mate taking a shot - are crucial against congested defences, such as the one Panama are likely to put out on Sunday, while Rose's ability to go on the outside and whip in crosses with his favoured left foot, as opposed to right-footed Young who looks to come infield, may be a tactical preference for Southgate.

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