World Cup Third Place Play-off
Belgium vs England
Saturday, July 14th, 2018
23:00pm, (GMT +8 Timing)
Stadium: Saint Petersburg Stadium
Belgium:
Last five matches form: W W W W L
Average goals per match last ten: 2.50
Average goals against per match last ten: 0.70
Top Scorer: Romelu Lukaku (40)
England:
Last five matches form: W L D W D
Average goals per match last ten: 1.80
Average goals against per match last ten: 0.80
Top Scorer: Harry Kane (19)
So near and yet so far for Belgium and England as their bid to reach the World Cup Final came up just short. Having each hoped to be involve in the biggest game on the planet, they are instead faced with this battle for third place.
This will be the second meeting between the sides at this years World Cup, with Belgium coming out on top 1-0 in a group stage game where both sides had already qualified.
It can't be easy to get motivated for this game following such disappointment, but hopefully the players will view this as a positive and one last opportunity to shine on the biggest stage of all.
These two experienced pretty similar exits from the competition, being on top early in their semi-finals but slowly but surely being ground down. Belgium were at least spared extra-time though and England did look very tired towards the end of their defeat to Croatia.
Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Jordan Henderson are all doubts for England, although Gareth Southgate may be tempted to give a number of his squad players a run out in any case. Belgium look set to be at full strength.
Much like the first meeting between these sides, there's really not all that much on the line here. Overall the advantage does seem to lie with Belgium though. Roberto Martinez's men may well be the better side in any case, but will also benefit from having had an extra days rest and fewer injury concerns. We expect the Red Devils to come out on top.
Prediction: Belgium 2 - 1 England