Big Match Breakdown: Group G: England v Belgium

World Cup odds and preview

England and Belgium are both guaranteed of their place in the last-16 of the World Cup ahead of tonight’s clash in Kaliningrad.

The two nations are sat joint on six points after seeing off Tunisia and Panama respectively in their opening two group matches.

The Three Lions currently top Group G courtesy of their superior fair-play record. But a second-place finish would provide a kinder route towards July’s final.

It’s all set up for an intriguing encounter this evening – and one that the Coral News Team have previewed with a Big Match Breakdown…

Head-to-Head

This will be the first meeting between the two nations since 2012. Danny Welbeck scored the only goal that day as a Roy Hodgson-led England prevailed 1-0 at Wembley. That was the Three Lions’ 15^th victory in 21 matches against The Red Devils, who have not won inside 90 minutes against England since 1936.

David Platt’s dramatic extra-time winner proved the difference the last time the two nations met at the World Cup in 1990.

Likely XIs

Wholesale changes are expected by both managers ahead of the match. Gareth Southgate has intimated he could make as many as eight changes as he looks to freshen up his side. Eric Dier, Gary Cahill, Danny Rose, Fabian Delph, Dele Alli, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marcus Rashford are all expected to come in.

It’s a similar story for Roberto Martinez, who will leave out Jan Vertonghen, Kevin De Bruyne, Thomas Meunier, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku through suspension or injury. Michy Batshuayi, Vincent Kompany, Nacer Chadli and Marouane Fellaini are expected to be just four of the beneficiaries.