FRANCE 98 – England-Tunisia – G. Hoddle: “I was delighted with the start made by the team”

“I was delighted with the start made by the team, it was a very good performance. It was important to win. We could have scored more, but we won the game.

Alan SHEARER’s (9) reputation goes before him. He had a limited number of chances, but he managed to score and that’s what a world class player can do. Paul SCHOLES (16) is a young man playing his natural game – it’s nice to see.

Any team has to attack from the back and defend from the front. All the so-called favourites have difficulties against this type of team. They had limited chances, and we created some – it’s pleasing for a coach.

The Tunisians gave 100% which is all you can ask for as a coach. We played better than them on the day but, on any given day, any side can cause an upset. I’m delighted it didn’t happen today.

I’m not here to discuss who played and who didn’t. I’m pleased with Darren ANDERTON’s (14) performance. The final result was that we played well and won.

We will follow the ROMANIA vs. COLOMBIA (Group G) game, 17h30 on Monday 15 June in LYON with close attention and prepare for the next game afterwards. It will be tough, like all the games in the World Cup.”