There is the possibility for some shenanigans when England and Belgium meet in one of the last matches of the Group Stage on Thursday afternoon. By the time these two teams meet, the rest of the field for the knockout rounds will be set. Right now, there is the possibility that one side of the bracket is really strong, with the other side being incredibly difficult to get through. Since both England and Belgium have already qualified, this may end up being a game that neither team wants to win.
The most anticipated sporting event in the world comes around once every four years, so don’t miss any of the 2018 World Cup. This match will take place at Kaliningrad Stadium in Kaliningrad at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 28, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FOX.
World Cup Group Stage Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Belgium +189
England +166
Draw +215
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Recent Form
England has been in fine form over their first two World Cup matches. It would have been a shock to see them get anything less than six points from their first two games, and while the first one was a bit touch and go, they left no doubt in the second match.
The Three Lions struggled to break the deadlock with Tunisia in their first match. England had multiple chances to get a second goal on the board, but they were unable to break through until extra time. That’s when Harry Kane headed home a deflection off of a corner kick to give England a 2-1 win. There were no such problems in the second match. England scored five goals in the first half of their win against Panama on their way to a 6-1 victory.
Belgium has not had trouble in either of their two matches to this point. In their first match, the Red Devils were shut out in the first half by Panama, but they quickly made it a laugher with three goals in the second half to get a 3-0 win.
There was never a real doubt when they faced Tunisia in their second match either. Belgium scored twice in the first 16 minutes on their way to a 5-2 win and looked like the dominant team we expected them to be. This offense is humming on all cylinders at the moment.
Matchup to Watch
Two of the best forwards in the Premier League will be squaring off in this match, and both players have had superb World Cups to this point.
Harry Kane has been incredible for England. Kane scored both of the team’s goals in their win over Tunisia and knocked home a hat trick in the win over Panama. He has been fantastic in the air on set pieces, finding his way into space despite being the focal point of defenses.
For Belgium, it has been the Romelu Lukaku show. Lukaku is one goal behind Kane, but it’s hard to complain about any player who has had a brace in his first two matches. His pace has opened up defenses and helped Belgium avoid some of the issues that had plagued it in the past.
Player to Watch
If there were real stakes on the line for this match, the spotlight would be on England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. England did not have an experienced goalkeeper heading into the World Cup, and there was some intrigue about who would get the starting nod.
Pickford has been the first choice for each of the first two matches, but he has barely been tested. Panama and Tunisia combined to put three shots on net, and he was not stressed in either match. Belgium would be able to test him with their dynamic attack, yet we might not see the Belgium we have seen for the first two matches.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
A draw here would unleash all sorts of tiebreaker chaos, with the group winner possibly being decided by yellow and red card accumulation. With so little on the line, I think a draw is the best option.
World Cup Group Stage Odds: Belgium 1, England 1
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