Kane stooped at the far post to turn in a header a minute into time added on, just when it looked like England would join the list of favourites in Russia to drop points.

Kane put England ahead in the 11th minute of the Group G game when he side-footed home a rebound after Tunisia keeper Mouez Hassen did brilliantly to save a powerful John Stones header.

England promised to launch their campaign with attacking football and they tore into Tunisia before and after Kane's opener, creating a string of chances only to be let down by a lack of composure in front of goal.

They paid the price when the North Africans were awarded a penalty before the break and equalised.

England defender Kyle Walker inexplicably swung an arm behind him as a cross arrived from the right and caught Fakhreddine Ben Youssef in the face. Colombia referee Wilmar Roldan had no hesitation and pointed to the spot.

Ferjani Sassi, after appearing to whisper a prayer to himself, slotted his spot kick into the bottom left hand corner of the goal despite England keeper Jordan Pickford getting a fingertip to it.

After the break, England struggled to maintain the intensity of the opening period but despite creating further chances Tunisia looked more comfortable as they contained their opponents' attack until Kane's winner.

From a Kieran Trippier corner, a glancing header from Harry Maguire found Kane at the back post and he cleverly nodded home to give England a winning start.

The result means Belgium top Group G from England on goal difference after a 3-0 over World Cup debutants Panama earlier on Monday.

Australian Associated Press