After the Three Lions’ emphatic display against Panama at the weekend, it means that England now sit in pole position to finish at the summit of group G.
The only factor now separating them from the Belgians is the ‘fair play’ rule where by England currently have one less yellow card than their counterparts.
England fans are currently in a state of euphoria after witnessing their biggest ever World Cup victory (6-1) and talisman Harry Kane scoring left, right and centre. The Spurs striker not only bagged the first hat-trick of the year for the Three Lions but also now leads the race for the golden boot (5) ahead of rivals Lukaku (4) and Ronaldo (4). Get Kane to come out on top and win the golden boot here at 13/8.
So far, both sides have not lacked any confidence in-front of goal, creating a combined 42 chances in the tournament and dispatching eight goals apiece. In addition, the two-sides have only had one goalless draw in their history - consisting of twenty-one meetings, so surely Thursday’s encounter should be one filled with action and entertainment?
Unfortunately for football fans this match may not be as exciting as it seems. Both teams have already secured their place in the round of sixteen and also have the opportunity to meet lesser opposition in the quarter final stage if they come runners-up in the group, therefore potentially making this match one which neither side wants to win.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s fixture, if history is anything to go by then England will be fancying their chances, having only lost two and won fifteen of their previous twenty-one meetings.
On the other hand, it needs to be remembered that this is the Red Devils’ golden generation, and since Roberto Martinez took charge back in August, the national side have managed eleven wins in twelve competitive matches.
Currently ranked 3rd in the world, Hazard’s team are one of the favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy. With all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku at the helm and in inspired form, they have every chance of doing so.
What’s better for England – first or second?
Do England need to keep up their winning mentality or is it better for them to take the hit with a better chance of meeting lesser opposition in the later rounds?
In current standings, Southgate’s men would likely face Germany or Brazil in the quarter finals if they were to top the group, whereas a second-place finish could see them meet the Swiss, Serbia or Mexico.
But if the Three Lions were to beat Belgium, confidence would be at an all-time high and as they say, to be the best you have to beat the best. Get Kane’s men to win here at 15/8.
Should key players be rested?
Martinez has already hinted that he will be resting key players in the fixture with their place in the round of sixteen being secured.
England could take advantage of this by playing a full-strength team and capitalising on Belgium’s rotation, although some might argue that resting key players such as Kane, Henderson and Lingard could be a more sensible move by the manager.
3 Belgians who could do serious damage
With Lukaku likely being rested, Belgium are set to be without their leading goal scorer in the competition, putting the onus on the next man up.
Three key players who might have to lift their games even further are De Bruyne, Hazard and Batshuayi - all of whom have the capabilities to hurt any team, as their performances showed throughout last season. Get Belgium’s key men to make a difference and lead them to victory here at 17/10.
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