Injured playmaker has revealed the top talents among his international team-mates ahead of crucial clash
His cruel KO came just a month after Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul claimed being without their talisman would be the same as Argentina losing superstar Messi.
But gifted Al-Duhail playmaker Msakni, 27, is such a legend in his homeland that he is still inspiring his team-mates in Russia.
And he is adamant the Eagles of Carthage will not miss him, are not scared of Group G rivals England — and even have a better mentality than Southgate’s young squad.
Cocky Msakni boasted: “We will snatch a win, I am sure.
Youssef Msakni will not be on the Volgograd Arena pitch tomorrow after tearing his cruciate knee ligament
“England have popular names — but popular names don’t play football.
“We have a very, very exciting team. England are not a scary prospect because, position by position, I think we can match them.
As a team, we have a stronger spirit and will to win. A lot of our guys play in Europe, many grew up there, they understand the mentality and professionalism needed.
“Facing England will be like any other team.”
Msakni has been his country’s Messi since 2013, when he lit up the African Nations Cup.
And he banged in a hat-trick in Tunisia’s 4-1 qualifying win over Guinea in November, which went a long way to securing their place at the World Cup in Russia.
Msakni added: “People say the team rally around me and that if I am not there the spirit is broken. That’s not true at all.
“The unity in this team is amazing.
Look at all our pre-World Cup games, the camaraderie is there for all to see.
Even though many pundits feel the group is all about Belgium and England, I say Tunisia will spring a big shock.
“I think we will be the African nation with the best performance overall in Russia.”
And, here, Msakni gives us the lowdown on the Tunisia stars who will be the biggest threat to England.
WAHBI KHAZRI
“He is a fast, excellent forward with great technique and skills, especially in those split-second moments when the English defence may just have a lapse.
“Playing Kyle Walker, a right-back for his entire career, as a centre-back could prove costly for Southgate if he does not get his tactics spot on.”
ANICE BADRI, NAIM SLITI
“They offer great support on both wings, especially for the infiltration from the sides — and those decisive passes inside the box.
“Slow centre-backs could have their pocket picked.
“If England play a three-man defence with Walker and Stones as centre-backs and Phil Jones on the right, it may be a disaster for them.”
“He is a great defensive midfielder, powerful and can intercept and then regain control of the game.
“With England having no player who can both enforce and dictate in midfield at the same time, this guy will be key.
“Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson perform either of the two roles — but Skhiri does both and can be vital to an England loss.”
MOHAMED BEN AMOR
“The offensive midfielder will play a crucial element in our swift counter-attacks.
“We know the English goalkeepers have no World Cup experience, so you can expect us to try pot-shots at them to make them nervy.
“Jordan Pickford is decent — but we are better.”
ALI MAALOUL
“He is an amazing defender and also very accurate with his crosses when he goes forward.
“A good plan B to have if the conventional one fails.
“England full-backs Kieran Trippier — in particular — and Danny Rose will be no competition for him.”
TunisianMonitorOnline (The Sun)
