England vs Belgium: Eyeing top spot, Three Lions set to roar loud!

Three Lions and Red Devils are locked on six points after a good start in the tournament.

Published : Jun 28, 2018 08:54 IST

Gareth Southgate's in-form England team is keen not to surrender its winning momentum in the concluding Group G match against Belgium in Kaliningrad.

Both teams are assured of a place in the last-16 after recording impressive victories in each of their first two matches.

Wins over Tunisia and Panama leave the Three Lions and the Red Devils locked together on six points, with eight goals scored and two conceded apiece.

WATCH: Insights on England-Belgium clash

It means a draw would result in their fair play records determining the group winner – England have one more booking on that score. If Belgium even that up lots will be drawn.

The subtext to the match, Germany's shock loss against Mexico in its first match as defending champion, has opened up an arguably more favourable route through the knockout rounds for the second-placed team.

Not that such permutations are of any concern to England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

"It's momentum and we want to keep that moment going. Our mentality is to win every game we can," he said.

READ: If I go and headbutt Roberto... Southgate laughs off permutations talk

"We just want to keep winning and winning. That'll put us in good stead. It doesn't matter who we might play next because to get as far as you can, to get to the final you're going to have to face these top teams.

"Either way you're going to have to play them so, if we play them early, that's how it's going to be."

Changes are likely for both teams, with Belgium's own golden boot contender Romelu Lukaku – one behind Harry Kane on four goals – sitting out training on Tuesday.

Regardless of the star names who miss out, an air of familiarity will remain.

"I've been there for a very long time and I know the Premier League very well and all the players," said Belgium's Manchester United and former Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

"I said it's going to be a beautiful game. A lot of players after Vincent [Kompany] and myself followed and did well there.

"I think that we should be proud because the "little Belgium" in England is someone and we all made a name for ourselves."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

England – Marcus Rashford

A likely chance to impress for the Manchester United forward, who scored an excellent goal and impressed throughout England's final pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica. A knee knock then hindered his progress but Raheem Sterling's failure to find the net in England's initial group matches maybe leaves the door to the first XI ajar.

Belgium – Michy Batshuayi

A probable starter in the circumstance, Batshuayi showed he had lost none of his knack for finding the net when he scored Belgium's final goal in their 5-2 win over Tunisia. Shone on loan at Borussia Dortmund after a mid-season move before injury struck.

 

 

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