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This is an archive article published on June 16, 1998

England thrive on Shearer power

MARSEILLE, June 15: Captain Alan shearer led by example by scoring with a typically forceful header to set England up for a deserved 2-0 vic...

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MARSEILLE, June 15: Captain Alan shearer led by example by scoring with a typically forceful header to set England up for a deserved 2-0 victory in their opening group `G’ clash with Tunisia today.

Paul Scholes grabbed the second in the 89th minute with a fine 20-metre right-foot shot to seal the win. It was his fourth goal in eight internationals.

Shearer had marked his 40th international appearance for England with his 19th goal after 42 minutes as the group favourites dominated a generally uninspiring game at the Stade Velodrome.

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His goal came during a spell of concerted England pressure shortly before half-time.

Left wing-back Graeme le Saux sent over an inswinging cross from a free-kick and Shearer rose to send a downward header past goalkeeper Chokri el-Ouaer from six metres.

Tunisia, after a slow, laboured and intricate start, were eventually overpowered by physically-superior opponents with defender Sol Campbell and attacking midfielder Scholes both impressing for England in coach GlennHoddle’s 3-5-2 formation.

Tunisia, however, had the first chance after only four minutes when a shot by Skander Souayah took a deflection off Campbell and bounced wide with England goalkeeper David Seaman beaten.

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England’s meticulous, if slow, approach gradually gained them command and they might have scored when a Scholes header after 30 minutes was parried or again after 35 when a Sheringham volley was palmed on to the bar by El-Ouaer.

Their frustration was shown in the two cautions collected by their Brazilian born defender Jose Clayton and substitute Imed Ben Younes.

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