Dele Alli is England's key man, according to Tunisia head coach Nabil Maaloul

Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul believes Dele Alli will be England’s biggest threat when they meet in the World Cup on Monday.

The Tottenham playmaker was singled out as the danger man by Maaloul as they prepare to face England in Volgograd.

But Alli has admitted he sometimes has trouble keeping his emotions in check in big matches and when asked if his side might take advantage of this, Maaloul said: "You've given me a good idea. I hadn't thought about that."

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Maaloul, in his second spell in charge of the national side, feels his team can progress to the knockout stages of the tournament, but only if they can shackle Ali.

"He is a great player," added Maaloul. "He is a midfielder who can play anywhere: centre, forward or deep midfield, up front on his own or wide on the left.

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England's search for a first World Cup crown since 1966 kicks off on Monday evening with a Group G encounter with Tunisia

"We know how easily Alli and Kane can find each other and their understanding so must divide them.

"The most dangerous thing for me is the way he sees the match and plays the last pass."

The Tunisia coach was in attendance when England were knocked out of Euro 2016 by Iceland but he says they have improved since then under the leadership of Gareth Southgate.

Maaloul believes England have improved since losing to Iceland at Euro 2016

"I was in the stadium when they played Iceland," he said. "Now they are a stronger side. The result is not going to be the same.

"We have pressure and they have pressure to do well. We are representing Africa and the Arabic world. They are one of the favourites to win the World Cup."

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