England legend Jamie Carragher has insisted that England should only focus on beating Belgium and should forget about their potential opponents in the knockout rounds at the World Cup.
England gracefully booked their place in the last 16 of the tournament on Sunday by crushing Panama 6-1 in Nizhny Novgorod. Harry Kane grabbed a hat-trick in the rout, sending the Tottenham striker clear in the race for the Golden Boot after he also scored both goals in the 2-1 win over Tunisia.
“This can be the perfect dress rehearsal,” the former Liverpool defender wrote in his column for the Telegraph. It might be that finishing below Belgium creates what appears to be a more ‘favourable’ draw, avoiding Brazil or Germany in the last eight. Equally, the group’s top side may avoid a tricky last-16 meeting with Senegal, who include Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr, or impressive Colombia. What looks more desirable does not always work that way – have we forgotten the pre-match optimism before Iceland two years ago?
“England must plot their route by trying to win against Belgium rather than half-heartedly accepting a defeat, or waiting to see if the fair-play table decides the placing. I want to see England adopt the mentality they will need against tougher opponents in the knockout stage. How often have we seen the side settle into a holding pattern where extra-time or penalties loom?
“Even if a draw is working to England’s advantage, there is a chance to experiment with more tactical drills with regards protecting a result. Imagine the belief in the players if their courage secures a positive outcome again Belgium. Confidence will soar