Belgium vs England: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 14th July 2018

Belgium vs England: Preview and Prediction

World Cup 2018 - 3rd Place Play-off
Saturday 14th July 2018
Kick off at 3pm BST
Venue: Saint-Petersburg Stadium

Match Preview:

Belgium and England will meet in what some will call the pointless third place play-off in the World Cup finals. In truth these teams will just want to fly back home after losing their respective semi-final matches and will still be hurting from the defeats against France and Croatia respectively.

Despite this being for 3rd place though, there is still a little incentive for both teams. Romelu Lukaku still has a chance to catch Harry Kane in the Golden Boot competition, and England have a point to prove to some after much hype for beating teams they should beat on paper but then losing when the level was raised. 

In reality, England didn't exceed expectations for reaching the semi's because exceeding expectations is dependant on who the opponents are, and in this case they were a lot easier than they could have been leading up to the semi's. Having said that, they played with passion and spirit, and certainly haven't underachieved regardless of whether they win or lose the 3rd place play-off.

It is expected that the full strength A teams will play after the two teams made significant changes in their group game which saw what was in effect both B teams play out a 1-0 win for Belgium.

Belgium are the favourites to win and on paper they should be able to achieve that but a 3rd place play off is usually played out like a friendly so anything could be possible in this game. Another good piece of motivation for the teams is that they have a chance to record some history. For Belgium a win here would mean that Russia 2018 has been their best ever finish at a World Cup. For England a win would mean their best ever finish since winning the World Cup in 1966. In 1990 England played and lost a third place play off against Italy.

 

Belgium vs England Team News:

Belgium: No new major injury news, but Thomas Meunier returns to the squad after being suspended for the semi-final.

England: Kieran Trippier, Jordan Henderson, and Kyle Walker are all unlikely to play due to injury.

 

Belgium vs England Head to Head:

Belgium’s win earlier in this World Cup was their first over England since 1936.

Five of their last six matches have ended in under 2.5 goals.

 

Belgium vs England Prediction:

It really does depend on who wants this more. If Roberto Martinez starts with a full team we have to go with Belgium and we think this game will break with tradition and see a few goals. Both teams can let the tension subside and we may see quite an enjoyable game even if it will have a friendly feeling.

 

Belgium vs England Betting Tips:

Belgium to beat England at 2.20

Over 2.5 goals at 1.62

Romelu Lukaku to score anytime at 2.25

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