Belgium, England play for consolation prize

Belgium and England will play for the consolation prize of bronze medals at the 2018 World Cup when they meet at the Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg on Saturday, July 14, kick-off at 16h00 CAT.

Belgium

Belgium’s hopes of a first World Cup title were dashed on Tuesday night when they were beaten 1-0 by France. Samuel Umtiti’s header early in the second half was enough to send the ‘Red Devils’ out of the tournament.

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JULY 10: Eden Hazard of Belgium reacts during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between Belgium and France at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 10, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

It’s a huge missed opportunity for Coach Roberto Martinez and the country’s ‘golden generation’, who looked to have the talent to go all the way and claim the trophy, especially in the wake of their impressive win over Brazil in the quarterfinals.

England

England’s momentum seemed to grow through the tournament and they were the favourites for their semifinal against Croatia on Wednesday, but Gareth Southgate’s men seemed to run out of steam and self-belief as they lost 2-1 after extra time.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Harry Maguire, Dele Alli, Harry Kane and Eric Dier of England looks on dejected following during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Nonetheless, given the relatively low expectations surrounding the ‘Three Lions’ heading into the tournament, they can still consider it a successful showing – even though the weight of their 1966 triumph remains as a burden.

England VS Belgium

Given that the third-place playoff is generally viewed as the game no one wants to play, it would be no surprise if both teams opted for plenty of changes from their semi-final line-ups.

France’s midfielder Paul Pogba (2L) heads the ball during the Russia 2018 World Cup semi-final football match between France and Belgium at the Saint Petersburg Stadium in Saint Petersburg on July 10, 2018. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)

That would mean we see the likes of Youri Tielemans, Thorgan Hazard and Michy Batshuayi for Belgium, while England could field players such as Gary Cahill, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford and Danny Welbeck.

MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JULY 11: Harry Kane of England celebrates after Kieran Trippier of England scores his team’s opening goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Semi Final match between England and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 11, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Belgium v England – head-to-head

In head-to-head terms, Belgium and England have met in seven 22 matches, according to FIFA’s statistics database. The ‘Three Lions’ have claimed 15 wins compared to just two for the ‘Red Devils’, while five games have been drawn.

The teams met earlier in this World Cup, with their Group G game in Kaliningrad on June 28 ending in a 1-0 win for Belgium thanks to a fine strike from Adnan Januzaj.

Matches played 22
Belgium wins 2
England wins 15
Draws 5
Belgium goals 26
England goals 70