After suffering 1 point defeats against France and Croatia, Belgium and England meet again for the third place. Last time, both sides saved their best eleven for the tournaments, but will they do the same this time? Can the Red Devils' "Golden Generation" live up to the name by securing the third place? Can the Three Lions bring their bronze medal home by overcoming the fatigue and the height advantage of Belgium? Anyways, this match is EPL vs EPL, making it a great one for the neutrals!
Belgium Preview
Belgium is the more favorable side here, as they were defeated by France in regular time and got 1 more day of rest. Speaking tactically-wise, Belgium has the height advantage(187 vs 181), and this would come in crucial when stopping England's set piece tactics. Nine of 12 goals that England scored came from set piece situations, and considering how lackluster England was when playing field ball against Croatia, the Red Devils will use their height advantage to punish England for its tactical inflexibility. Belgium will stick to its 3-4-3 formation and will not make changes to the starting XI thanks to the rest, but expect Meunier to return from bookings.
Expected starting XI
Attack point - If Belgium won't make changes to its starting XI, then Eden Hazard would be the go-to choice. Hazard has beaten Neymar and Messi as the best dribbler of this world cup, and he has made 2 goals and 2 assists to his name. Another good choice will be Kevin De Bryune, if he starts for this match vs England. If KDB does not start, then there would be a chance of Januzaj starting, as he scored a goal previously against England.
Goal - Lukaku has been lackluster since he was shut down by Japan's Yoshida Maya in the start of the tournament stage, despite the fact that he is Belgium's main gun. Maybe other choices such as Januzaj, De Bryune could prove to be better. Another good choice could be Marouane Fellaini, considering his height.
Assist - If you have used Hazard for Attack point cell, then go for Kevin De Bryune. Another choice is Meunier, who has come back from his bookings. Meunier has made two assists so far and will definitely start against England, so you can expect him to be at full form.
Cards/Foul - Marouane Fellaini is the choice to go for. This world cup could be his last, and as there won't be any more booking issues, expect Fellaini to go as far as he can to stop England from scoring. In fact, many English players would be fearing his elbow from their Premier League experience....
Saves - Courtois is one of the candidates for the best keeper award in this competition. Why not expect Belgium to make saves?
England Preview
This is England's final chance in the World Cup to prove that the English Premier League is not the Belgian Premier League. After suffering a 1-0 defeat at the group stages, England must defeat Belgium this time to do so. However, unlike last match, England does not have the upper hand. They have been defeated at Extra time, and Belgium has got 1 more day of rest. Also, the English have exposed their tactical inflexibility against Croatia, as they were unable to score from non-set piece situations. One hopeful thing is that Belgium won't maraud the English flanks as Croatia did. One good thing for the neutrals though, is that we might see some new faces like Jamie Vardy who don't deserve to warm the bench...
Expected starting XI
Attack point - As said in the match vs Croatia, England's statistics are very sporadic. England is very reliant on set pieces, so I personally recommend putting Trippier for the attack point cell. He is the set piece taker for England, so you can count on him to score or set up goals.
Goal - As stated before, England seriously lacks tactical flexibility. If a English player is to score, it would be Harry Kane. If you want other alternate choices, then try your luck on Jamie Vardy, the Leicester City goalgetter if he comes out.
Assists - The English squad does not have a reliable source of assists. Try your luck on Jesse Lingard or Ashley Young. Both have performed well for United this season.
Fouls/Cards - England has a rather low rate of card collection.
Saves - Here, England seems to be the underdog. As both Goalies are talented, try putting England for saves.