The high-voltage and much-anticipated clash between England and Belgium will bring an end to the group stage on Thursday.
Both the teams have already qualified for the next stage after winning their opening two games and will be vying for the top spot. However, finishing at top could be tricky for either of the sides. Potentially, the winner of the group could end up facing Brazil in the quarter-finals in Russia.
The winner of the match will top the group while in the event of a draw, disciplinary points will decide the group winner. England are currently ahead having picked up two yellow cards to Belgium’s three.
But scenarios aside, the upcoming game is likely to be an entertaining one. England and Belgium have been two of the most impressive teams in the tournament so far. They head into the match with the exact same record, posting eight goals apiece – a figure equalled by Russia alone – and conceding twice.
⚽️ Last training before #ENGBEL ✔️?#REDTOGETHER#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/HZjkpGpdNx
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) June 27, 2018
Both the teams will be looking to enter the last 16 round with momentum on their sides and a win in this game could do wonders to either side’s confidence.
Sportzwiki brings you all you need to know ahead of the clash between the two sides.
Venue and time:
England and Belgium will lock horns at the Kaliningrad Stadium, Kaliningrad. The action will begin at 11:30 PM IST on Thursday.
Players to look out for:
England – Harry Kane:
Reports are suggesting that Gareth Southgate is in no mood to rest Kane who is currently leading the race for Golden Boot with 5 goals in just two games. The England skipper has led his side from the very front in the opening two games. He will be keen to deliver another inspirational performance against Belgium.
Belgium – Michy Batshuayi
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has hinted that he would rest several players for this game. And Batshuayi is likely to start in such a scenario. Well, impressing against England can put him well into contention for a starting spot in the games to come.
Where to watch:
The Indian fans will enjoy extensive coverage of the game. The coverage of the match will be telecasted on SONY TEN 2 SD and HD channels.
The Hindi feed will be aired on SONY TEN 3 SD and HD channels. Bengali and Malayali feed will be available on SONY ESPN SD channel.
Possible line-ups:
England:
Jordan Pickford; Phil Jones, John Stones, Gary Cahill; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Eric Dier, Jesse Lingard, Danny Rose; Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane
Belgium:
Thibaut Courtois; Thomas Vermaelen, Dedryck Boyata, Toby Alderweireld; Mousa Dembele, Marouane Fellaini, Nacer Chadli, Thorgan Hazard, Youri Tielemans, Eden Hazard, Michy Batshuayi
Follow live score on Sportzwiki.