Five things we learned as England lost to Belgium

Much-changed Three Lions beaten

England will play Colombia in the round of 16 after losing to Belgium in their final group game.

Adnan Januzaj scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the Belgians, who will play Japan after finishing top of Group G.

It was England’s first defeat of the tournament, but it might not be all doom and gloom. Here’s the Coral News Team’s big match wrap…

Southgate is playing the long game

The England boss made eight changes from the side which beat Panama 6-1. There was no Harry Kane, no Raheem Sterling and no Jesse Lingard.

In doing so, he allowed his key players to rest up, while allowing the remainder of his squad to gain crucial World Cup experience and game-time.

Some may suggest Southgate should have kept Kane and co in the squad for momentum, but either way it’s clear the England boss is planning for further down the line.

England weren’t too bothered about losing

Publicly Southgate made it clear that he wanted his side to carry on winning, even though it could be argued that losing and finishing second opened a more favourable route to the final.

The England boss denied such claims, but his decision to bring on Danny Welbeck instead of Harry Kane while trailing Belgium spoke volumes. Southgate and England were ok about losing this one.

After Colombia, England would face Sweden or Switzerland in the quarter-final. France, Argentina, Brazil and Portugal are now all in the other half of the draw.

Kane’s absence enhances his presence