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This match could be one of an extremely rare breed that is settled on the drawing of lots. Either way, the winner of Group G will be decided as the ‘Three Lions’ meet the ‘Red Devils’ at a World Cup (WC) for the first time in 28 years!
Belgium and England scored 11 goals in total on matchday two, but seven out of England’s last nine games have produced a total of under 2.5 goals.
England need just one goal to attain a new high of nine goals from the first three games at a WC finals.
The two nations have met twice at a WC. The first occasion saw a 4-4 draw in 1954, with David Platt then netting an extra-time winner at Italia ’90 in the quarter-finals.
In 21 encounters across all competitions, England have lost to Belgium only once (3-2 in May 1936).
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In the event of a draw, the identity of the winners will be determined by fair play, and then drawing of lots if they still cannot be separated.
With two yellow cards to Belgium’s three, England currently lead on discipline.
Key battles: This promises to be a great advert for the Premier League. Both representing Manchester City, John Stones will be trying to stop Kevin De Bruyne from slicing open the England defence.
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Manchester United teammates Jesse Lingard (ENG) and Romelu Lukaku (BEL) will be trying to outscore each other, while Harry Kane (ENG) could find himself facing Tottenham teammates Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
Stat attack: Eight goals in three matches at a WC finals is already a record for Belgium.
The two sides have opened the scoring in their own games on a combined total of 13 occasions from a possible 15.
Belgium and England are also on a combined run of 31 games unbeaten.
Probably will not play
Lukaku R. (Ankle Injury)
Match Information
Referee: Skomina D. (Slo)
Venue: Kaliningrad Stadium (Kaliningrad)
Pre-match facts - World Cup
- Belgium have won their last 7 matches.
- Belgium are undefeated in their last 12 matches.
- England are undefeated in their last 13 matches.
- England have gone 6 consecutive matches without a draw.
- England have won their last 6 matches.
- England scored at least one goal in their last 9 matches and Belgium in their last 12 matches.
- Belgium have gone 7 consecutive matches without a draw.
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| Belgian team-mate Roberto Martinez has decided not to venture to the 25-year-old and will leave Lukaku out in the final group G match against England. |
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