Thomas Meunier became Belgium’s tenth different goal-scorer of the tournament after he made a stunning run from the right flank to get on the end of a pin-point cross from Nacer Chadli to open the scoring for Belgium.
That was exactly what he did throughout the game against England and made a mockery out of Danny Rose in the first half. The full-back bombed forward whenever he sensed an opportunity and was a handful for the English defenders on countless occasions.
Meunier, who took no part in Belgium’s semi-final loss against France due to suspension, showed what the Red Devils were missing in that game and acted as a reliable attacking outlet on the right flank.
The 26-year-old was also an integral part of Belgium’s counter-attacking exploits during the game and raised a few concerns for the English defenders.
Right from the word go, Thomas Meunier hit the ground running and charged down the right flank with tons of intent, purpose and conviction.
Defensively, he was safe as a house. Due to a suspension that kept him out of the game against France, he came into this match fresher and sharper. This was clearly highlighted in his defensive contribution.
He thwarted danger away, cleared the ball off his lines many a time, tackled well and played it safe. Tactically and in a positional aspect, he was on top of his game.
While going forward, we all know what he’s done this World Cup. Fearlessly darting forward and supplying crosses into the box, the PSG defender pushed Danny Rose further back. He kept hold of the ball well, unleashed his pace and made full use of the spaces available.
Up against Rose, he always had the better of the Spurs’ full-back. There was not one moment where the left-back was able to accelerate down the left and deliver a cross into the box.
Even for the goal, Meunier ran down the pitch and was second favourite to meet Chadli’s cross. But in a flash, he moved ahead of Rose and slotted it past Pickford to open the scoring.
Probably due to this sheer domination, Southgate was forced to make a change which saw Rose out at half-time