Benalouane Hails ‘Special’ World Cup Opportunity

- Yohan Benalouane labelled playing for Tunisia as a ‘big emotion’ as the defender readies himself for the 2018 FIFA World Cup
- Tunisia face England, Belgium and Panama in Group G in Russia
- Benalouane has already discussed his side’s opening fixture against England with Leicester City team-mates Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire

Benalouane, 31, has been selected in the North African outfit’s 23-man squad this summer in Russia, where the centre back could potentially line-up against England, Belgium and Panama in Group G.

The former Atalanta man, known for his committed performances, has fond memories of world football’s most prestigious tournament and underlined what Nabil Maâloul’s side must do to progress from a group bursting with individual and collective talent.

“It’s something important, I’m very happy,” Benalouane told LCFC TV ahead of the World Cup.

“For me, it was a big emotion [to play for Tunisia], because to go on the pitch with the shirt of your country, it’s always something special. I hope we can do something good for the World Cup.

“The World Cup is a dream from when I was a kid. I’m looking forward to being good, to being fit and to having a good World Cup.

“The first objective is to get through the first round as it would be amazing for our country. To have a good World Cup with all my team-mates will be a good thing.”

The prospect of facing Foxes team-mates Jamie Vardy and Harry Maguire when Tunisia play England on Monday 18 June (7pm kick-off BST) is one that Benalouane knows his nation will be ready for.  

“I talk sometimes with [Jamie] Vardy and [Harry] Maguire about the group,” added Benalouane. “Obviously, it will be a good game and it’s always a pleasure to meet other people from my team in the World Cup. It will be a big challenge for us.

“Vards is always difficult, because he is an electric man. He is a very good striker, he has top quality, he scores a lot.

“We have to be focused, because we know his quality. I hope, for him, that he has a good World Cup, but not against Tunisia.”