Foxes of Leicester
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Preview: England Vs Belgium

By Harneet Singh Sethi

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 27: Harry Kane trains during an England training session on June 27, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JUNE 27: Harry Kane trains during an England training session on June 27, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
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England would be in search of a third consecutive win when they face Belgium in their final Group G game.

Having already sealed their spot in the round of 16 with a resounding 6-1 win over Panama, the Three Lions would now have a chance to finish as the group winners ahead of the Red Devils.

Belgium, like England, ensured their smooth sailing to the next round after a 5-2 tromping of Tunisia, but unlike their opponents, they don’t seem to be eyeing the top spot.

Addressing the media ahead of the encounter on Thursday, Belgium manager Roberto Martinez made it very clear that a win at the Kaliningrad Stadium isn’t necessarily a priority.

"“We have qualified and that was the priority,” Martínez said.“Now we need to look at our individual players. We want to perform well but the priority is not to win. That is the reality, we have put ourselves in this situation, we wanted to qualify and we have done that.“There are players on yellow cards. I don’t think it would be professional of us to put those players at a risk of missing the knockout phase. Players have been in very demanding games. It is very important to protect and give every player the best possible programme to be in the best condition in the knockout game”."

Martinez certainly has sucked every inch of excitement out of what was initially dubbed as a test of potential for England. The Spaniard is set to reportedly rest a number of his key players, which might even be a tactic aimed at finishing second in the group, and therefore avoiding Brazil.

There have been calls for Gareth Southgate to take a similar approach and view this game as a means to dodge a tough quarter-final against tournament favourites, but he is not having any of that – and rightly so.

"“I’ve heard talk of it being better finishing second, but how do you work all that out, really?” he said.“What I’ve discussed with the players is that we must not waste any energy thinking whether it’s better to be first or second in the group, or who we might play in future rounds”."

NIZHNIY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA – JUNE 24: Jesse Lingard of England celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal with team mate Raheem Sterling during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhniy Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NIZHNIY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA – JUNE 24: Jesse Lingard of England celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal with team mate Raheem Sterling during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhniy Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /

One to watch

Jesse Lingard has arguably been England’s best player at the World Cup, causing all sorts of problems with his movement. He may only have a goal to show for it, but no can deny that his impact extends far beyond just goals and assists.

The Manchester United forward would now have his toughest examination yet against Belgium. They may be without many of their first choice names, but there’s still enough quality to prove a point – if any – against.

It’d be fascinating to see how Jesse Lingard fares against the Belgians.

Next: Leicester City’s Adrien Silva breaks World Cup record

Possible XI

Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Lingard Dier, Loftus-Cheek, Young; Rashford, Kane.