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| Source: The Coverage |
One of the most great and interesting match of the group stage is coming up pretty soon. England take on Belgium in the Group G final match. Both the teams have qualified for the round of 16 and do not have anything to worry about. Both the teams will be looking to entertain us in the clash of the titans. England have been in top form and Belgium have been on a free scoring run. Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in their last match against Panama. Belgium are in a bit of a injury crisis as Lukaku and Hazard are a big doubt for the match due to injury. The result will not matter for either of the side but it is a case for glory and who tops the group.
Predicted Line-ups:
Belgium:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
The Chelsea goalkeeper has had quite less to do but this match will be the one in which he will be seriously tested against the likes of Harry Kane and Co.
Defenders: Toby Alderweireld (CB), Vincent Kompany (CB), Jan Vertonghen (CB)
The defensive three of Alderweireld, Kompany and Vertonghen are expected to starts in the line-ups. Martinez has stated that Kompany and Vermealen will be fit for the England match and Kompany is fit. He is expected to be back in the line up even though Boyata hasn’t caused problems. Starting three Premier League defenders against of the best English attackers will be a wise move. Vertonghen and Alderwiereld know how Kane plays.
Midfielders: Thomas Meunier (RWB), Moussa Dembele (CM), Axel Witsel (CM), Yannick Carrasco (LWB)
De Bruyne should probably start as an attacking midfielder due injury to Hazard. Witsel has been great as a holding midfielder. He controls the game from the back and wins most of his aerial duals. Meunier makes frequent attacking runs and also impressed with his physical strength on the wings. Carrasco started as a left wing back and has started to get involved in the game. He is expected to retain his place.
Attacking Midfielders: Dries Mertens (LAM), Kevin De Bruyne (RAM)
Mertens is expected to keep his place in the starting line up due to his stellar form and great attacking capability. Eden Hazard is a big doubt for the match and the best possible option is to start De Bruyne in a deeper attacking role which he is familiar with Manchester City.
| Source: Express |
Attack: Michy Batshuayi
Lukaku was substituted in the last match due to an injury which was later discovered as a knee injury. He is not going to start. Batshuayi is expected to led the attack. He scored against Tunisia and his exceptional run of form with Dortmund is expected to help his moment to score past the Englishmen.
England:
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Pickford has had a good World Cup so far and has taken the pressure of being England’s number 1 very positively and nicely. He is expected to retain his place.
Defenders: Jones (CB), Stones (CB), Cahill (CB)
Southgate is expected to make some wholesale changes in defence. Walker picked up a knock and is expected to be rested. Jones should start his first game so should Cahill, who could replace Maguire due to his experience.
Wing-Backs: Trippier (RWB), Rose (LWB)
Trippier has been great as the right wing-back and puts in some dangerous crosses and is also in charge of set-piece duty. Ashley Young hasn’t had a great tournament and is expected to be benched. Danny Rose is the most probable option.
Midfielders: Dier (CM), Henderson (CM), Alli (LAM), Rashford (RAM)
Southgate stated that Eric Dier will start against Belgium. Henderson is also expected to retain his place. Dele Alli is fit gain and is expected to start as the attacking midfielder benching Loftus-Cheek again. Rashford is also fit and is raring to go. He starts as an attacking midfielder for England in a much deeper and a role of a false 9. He should start ahead of Sterling. Lingard is expected to be rested even though he is in great form.
| Source: Deccan Chronicle |
Attack: Harry Kane
England’s captain and main man, Kane is expected to start and lead the side once again and rain havoc against the Belgium defence which he is well versed with. He is also in contention to win the Golden Boot.
Score Prediction: 1-1
