TEAM NEWS
Both England and Belgium are assured of their place in the last 16, and are expected to make a number of changes for their final Group G game. Three Lions midfielder Dele Alli, who suffered a muscle problem against Tunisia, trained on Wednesday but is unlikely to be risked.
Marcus Rashford and Gary Cahill could earn recalls, and Eric Dier will start. Kevin de Bruyne, Thomas Meunier and Jan Vertonghen are a booking away from a ban and unlikely to play for Belgium.
Striker Romelu Lukaku has been ruled out, Dries Mertens also has an ankle issue while captain Eden Hazard has been nursing a calf problem.
OVERVIEW
Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini says the denouement to Group G between Belgium and England will be a “strange game”, and it certainly feels like it has a surreal edge to it.
With both sides already qualified, and level on points, goal difference and goals scored, their disciplinary records will decide who finishes top of the group if they draw in Kaliningrad. Should they still be level on that factor, the rare sight of the drawing of lots will take place to determine who finishes top.
There has been much debate in the media, pubs, offices and living rooms across England about whether Gareth Southgate’s side would actually be better off finishing second rather than top as it could see them avoid a quarter-final against Brazil.
It’s not something that Southgate is letting affect him. He said: “I’ve heard talk of it being better finishing second, but how do you work all that out, really?
“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.”
One thing in England’s favour is the incredible record they have against Belgium. Their only defeat in 21 meetings came back in 1936.
VIEW FROM BOTH CAMPS
England manager Gareth Southgate: “I don’t think the style of how we play should change.
“You are going to face different sorts of tests and challenges, but the way we want to play won’t change.
“When we are attacking we just have to be more alert to counter-attacks and when we are defending, we have got to make sure our individual and collective defending is at a really high level.”
Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez: “The difficulty that we have in Belgium is that we have too many players that deserve to win the World Cup.
“Anyone could play. If that’s the case, they need to be ready, to be ambassadors of our game in Belgium.
“We need to create momentum in the squad.”
LAWRO’S PREDICTION
I thought England would beat Panama, but they did it in some style. It was a very impressive performance.
Belgium also scored some goals as they put Tunisia away, but they still look a bit disjointed to me, especially compared to how England are playing together, and the best 11 players do not always make the best team.
Prediction: 1-0
