2018 FIFA World Cup – Belgium vs England Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Saturday 14th July, 15:00
Where? Krestovsky Stadium
What channel is it on? ITV
Where can I stream the match? The match can be streamed online via ITV Player
Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/football-world-cup-2018-tickets/ca2171?afl=694JWFTART&gclid=CjwKCAjw3cPYBRB7EiwAsrc-ubpt4g60RCE1cxEY1qD29AUk7XLBVGrSrMV_EvR_BqvkoCzBoUdigRoCvlEQAvD_BwE
THE TEAM NEWS
BELGIUM
- Belgium could not manage to find a way past an inspired Hugo Lloris as they were edged out narrowly by France in a 1-0 semi-final loss.
- They welcome back Meunier after suspension and he will start while Martinez may consider making various changes to his team.
- Mertens will come back into the side while Martinez could be tempted to make up to 9 or 10 changes to the starting eleven here.
Predicted line-up (3-4-2-1):
Mignolet
Dendoncker, Boyata, Vermaelen
Meunier, Dembele, Tielemans, T. Hazard
Mertens, Januzaj
Batshuayi
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: None
ENGLAND
- England's bid to reach their first World Cup final since 1966 came to an end in extra-time at the hands of Croatia on Wednesday night.
- Southgate's men will be deflated and fatigued following that match so the likelihood is that the England boss will make wholesale changes.
- Trippier is expected to be ruled out through the injury that forced him off in the semi and it may be a completely different eleven here.
Predicted line-up (3-4-2-1):
Butland
Jones, Dier, Cahill
Alexander-Arnold, Delph, Loftus-Cheek, Rose
Rashford, Vardy
Welbeck
Unavailable: Trippier
Doubtful: None
THE PREDICTION
Plenty of uncertainty as to how both of these teams will line up and how motivated they are makes this match a tough one to predict. Martinez's side will likely want to go out in style and score goals which makes both teams to score an interesting proposition in this match when it comes to the betting markets.
