Heading into the final round of group games on Thursday, England are narrowly ahead of Belgium in the standings.
England and Belgium have almost identical stats. Both sides have two wins, 8 goals and they’ve conceded twice apiece.
The Three Lions are only above Belgium by virtue of having one less booking in Russia.
Indeed, discipline could be a deciding factor if England and Belgium draw their match.
To be clear, England and Belgium have both already qualified for the round of 16.
Roberto Martínez said he could change all 10 of his outfield players against #eng.
🛑 De Bruyne, Vertonghen & Meunier 1 game away from suspension. “Very risky.”
🚑 Lukaku: no damage
👍🏽 Hazard: manageable calf issue
👍🏽 Mertens: trains tomorrow
👍🏽 Kompany & Vermaelen back pic.twitter.com/UF06KjXSYD— Kristof Terreur 📰🎥 (@HLNinEngeland) June 25, 2018
But that could be just the start of Belgium’s shake-up versus England.
Man United’s Romelu Lukaku and Chelsea’s Eden Hazard are both expected to be on the bench against the Three Lions. The Times report:
Martínez had already stated that Romelu Lukaku, the Manchester United forward, is unlikely to be risked against England, having injured his ankle during Belgium’s 5-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday.
Dries Mertens and Eden Hazard are also likely to be spared, having suffered knocks during the same game. None of those three players trained at the team’s base in Dedovsk yesterday, with Thorgan Hazard, Adnan Januzaj and Michy Batshuayi in contention to deputise.
As for Vincent Kompany, who has been struggling with injury in Russia, the Man City star is again expected to miss out against England.
And if that wasn’t enough, Martinez may also rest Toby Alderweireld and Axel Witsel against Gareth Southgate’s men.