England v Belgium tips: Southgate seeks momentum from Three Lions
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England’s group games come to a close tonight, when Gareth Southgate’s men meet Belgium in Kaliningrad.
Four years ago the Three Lions were already out and planning their flight home. But now they have at least a second round match to look forward to, having qualified with a game to spare.
Belgium are through too, but Germany’s exit has opened up a potentially easier route for whoever finishes second in Group G.
England are currently top courtesy of a better disciplinary record, but Southgate has dismissed speculation that his side will look finish second.
The former centre-half has spoken instead of his desire to instil a winning mentality throughout the squad.
Changes are expected from both sides, but it’s still set to be a close one. England are the 6/4 favourites with Belgium 2/1 outsiders. A draw is 19/10.
This game could be similar to France and Denmark’s lacklustre 0-0 earlier this week. There’s 6/10 about under 2.5 goals and 7/4 for under 1.5. Our traders go 7/1 on another goalless affair.
But we reckon there should be at least one goal in this game. Southgate’s changes will allow England’s fringe players a chance to impress.
That includes Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford, who have had only glimpses of World Cup football so far. Raheem Sterling is expected to be rested and at least one of them is set to start tonight.
And with Romelu Lukaku expected to miss out for the Belgians through injury (he was unlikely to play anyway) Michy Batshuayi has a similar opportunity. The Chelsea striker is 9/2 to open the scoring.
It does seem that Southgate will stick with Harry Kane, rather than rest him for Danny Welbeck.
Kane is already on five goals for the tournament, and has a very real chance of winning the Golden Boot. The Tottenham Hotspur ace is 10/3 favourite in the first goalscorer market.
England to win and under 2.5 goals is 18/5, while our VAR specials include 3/1 on the referee’s initial decision to be overturned and an England goal awarded via VAR.
Click here for all our England v Belgium odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
