World Cup warm-up: Belgium to set up thrilling final game showdown with England

Belgium kicked off their 2018 World Cup campaign with a routine 3-0 victory over Group G minnows Panama and will now aim to make it two wins from two when they face Tunisia on Saturday.

There are doubts whether Roberto Martinez is the right man to get the best out of Belgium’s golden generation and the way the other international heavyweights have started this tournament it would be a real missed opportunity if they don’t succeed in Russia.

So far so good for Belgium and they are on course to set up a grandstand finish with England in a straight shootout for top spot in Group G.  Belgium will be favoured on paper but England’s impressively bright start to the tournament has given Gareth Southgate’s side optimism.

Interestingly, however, finishing first may not actually be the best thing for either side following Germany’s shock defeat to Mexico in the opening round of games in Group F.

Assuming Germany miss out on top spot and Brazil top Group E, the runner-up in England’s group will actually avoid an international heavyweight in the first two matches in the knockout phase of the competition.

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Neither Belgium nor England will be out to finish second, even if it would open up a potentially easier passage through the knockout stage. Both have started brightly but the outcome of their meeting on Thursday will give a clearer indication of where they are both at in the tournament.

A win for either side would be a real confidence boost heading into the business end of the competition and continue the momentum they have generated from their first two matches.

First of all, Belgium have to overcome a rugged Tunisia outfit. England only managed a 2-1 victory but could have easily scored three goals in the opening 30 minutes. Tunisia resorted to dirty tactics in a bid to stifle England but it would be a surprise if their underhand tactics when defending set pieces worked again.

Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard were the standout performers from Belgium’s opener, both recording WhoScored ratings above 8.00. Lukaku has now scored 15 goals in his last 10 matches for Belgian Red Devils.