2018 FIFA World Cup – England vs Belgium Preview
AT A GLANCE
When? Thursday 28th June, 19:00
Where? Kaliningrad Stadium
What channel is it on? ITV1
Where can I stream the match? The match can be streamed online via ITV Player
Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-g-belgium-panama-tunisia-england-tickets/ca5917
THE TEAM NEWS
ENGLAND
- England are buoyed by their 6-1 hammering of Panama on Sunday and will look forward to testing themselves against this strong Belgian team.
- Southgate will make some changes but not wholesale ones as he plans to keep the team fresh so Dier, Rose and Rashford could come in.
- The back three and Pickford are likely to remain unchanged while Harry Kane will start as he bids to win the Golden Boot in Russia.
Predicted line-up (3-4-2-1):
Pickford
Walker, Stones, Maguire
Alexander-Arnold, Dier, Loftus-Cheek, Rose
Lingard, Rashford
Kane
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: Alli
BELGIUM
- Belgium have already qualified for the Round of 16 like England as they come into this final group match against Southgate's men.
- Roberto Martinez will use this match to test the fitness of Kompany and Vermaelen with the defensive duo both expected to start.
- Romelu Lukaku is struggling with a knock and is unlikely to be risked here while De Bruyne and Eden Hazard could both be rested.
Predicted line-up (3-4-2-1):
Courtois
Alderweireld, Kompany, Vermaelen
Meunier, Fellaini, Dembele, Chadli
Mertens, T. Hazard
Batshuayi
Unavailable: None
Doubtful: Kompany, R. Lukaku
THE PREDICTION
All the talk is around both of these teams resting players although England seem the more likely of the two to field a stronger side. That said, the intensity levels in this game will likely drop off and that could lead to a stalemate so expect a share of the points in this one.
