It was the first big sporting clash between England and Tunisia this week.

I didn’t really expect to be playing pool against two World Cup players set to line-up against England in four days time.

But once we gained access to the Tunisian team’s magnificent five star hotel, an hour’s drive from Moscow, it actually happened.

Ben Youssef Fakhreddine and Yassine Meryah were only too pleased to play pool - doubles with me and Mirror photographer Andy Commins.

Fakhreddine is one of the finest players in Africa - named in the continent’s all-star 2014 team of the year with ex-Manchester City star Yaya Toure and Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Mirror reporter Andy Lines plays pool with Tunisia stars (left) Ben Youssef Fakhreddine and (right) Yasmine Meryah (
Image:
Andy Commins/Daily Mirror)

Two weeks ago he scored against Portugal in a World Cup warm-up match.

But he struggled a bit against the Mirror on the pool table!

We lost the first game on the black and then won the second on the black.

Unfortunately the best-of-three decider had to be put on hold as they went off to training in preparation for the match against Harry Kane and his men.

Andy Lines lines up his shot (
Image:
Daily Mirror)
Fakhreddine Ben Youssef in action against Turkey (
Image:
AFP)

It was surreal we shook hands and off the pair went to plot England’s downfall.

“We are very much looking forward to the game against England,” said Fakhreddine, 26, who has been capped 39 times for his country.

Defender Meryah, 24, capped 14 times and scored once in the World Cup qualifiers added: “You played very nice.”

Tunisia head coach Nabil Maaloul oversees training (
Image:
REX/Shutterstock)
Tunisia are the top-ranked African team at the finals (
Image:
REUTERS)

Tunisia may be paupers on the pitch with their meagre salaries compared to Premiership players but England are definitely the paupers when it comes to accommodation.

It’s Tunisia 1 England 0 on the World Cup hotels front!

When we arrived at the Imperial Hotel & Spa the security was incredible. There are three separate checks just to get in.

Inside it is fantastic - much nicer than England’s hotel in Repino.

There’s a magnificent sports facility including a state of art gym, swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi.

Imperial Park Hotel and Spa in Russia

There are football pitches, indoor tennis courts and even a 10-pin bowling alley.

And karaoke, cinema and paint-balling are on offer at the hotel which hosted the Miss Russia 2010 beauty pageant.

The players are not allowed to roam alone in the grounds. There are signs warning: “Beware of the bears.”

But they if want to practice their shooting they can go to the range but have to use bullets not balls!

poll loading

What's your Tunisia vs England prediction?

5000+ VOTES SO FAR