A WIN-WIN SITUATION

With England and Belgium already assured of a berth in the next round, the two teams are expected to come out and play without pressure. And despite the managers expected to make a string of changes to the starting lineup, the fans can expect a free-flowing game from the two talented outfits. A look at how the two teams stack up going into the match of the Group G:

RAMPANT STRIKE FORCE

England’s captain Harry Kane has led from the front, scoring five of the team’s eight goals in the tournament so far. He is also currently leading the race for the Golden Boot and will be eager to further extend that lead today. Raheem Sterling has had just one attempt on target from the two games and is likely to be replaced by the energetic Marcus Rashford, who has already netted three times from his 20 appearances for England.

Belgium are likely to miss the services of their main striker,

Romelu Lukaku, who has contributed half of

Belgium’s eight goals from the opening two matches. Eden Hazard though is likely to start against England and has been in superb form, scoring twice and assisting once. Youri Tielemans and Michy Batshuayi, who came off the bench and combined to get Belgium’s fifth against Tunisia will want to make an impact.

MIDDLE GROUND

England’s five-man midfield will have to do much better as they go deeper into the tournament. The lack of creativity in midfield could cost them heavily. Kane’s positioning rescued them in the first game against Tunisia. Defender John Stones headed home from two set-pieces and Kane scored from two penalties and a deflection against Panama. Dele Alli will have to try and create more chances from open play.

Belgium’s main playmaker Kevin De Bruyne has had a hand in only one of the team’s eight goals so far. The Premier League’s top provider will have to play a bigger role against more adept opponents. Manager Roberto Martinez is likely to start Nacer Chadli and Adnan Januzaj, giving the duo a chance to stake their claim for a starting spot against the likes of Yannick Carrasco and Alex Witsel, who have nothing to show in the opening two games.

BIG TEST FOR DEEP DEFENCE

England have conceded two goals against far less threatening oppositions, including letting in Panama’s first-ever World Cup goal. The defensive line was sloppy on several occasions against Tunisia, giving up possession far too easily. Centre-back John Stones though, impressed with two goals from thundering headers.

Belgium were caught out twice by Tunisia in their 5-2 win over the African side but will have to be far more alert at the back against England. The good news for Belgium though will be the possible return of first-choice defenders Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen, who trained with the group ahead of the England tie.

THE CUSTODIANS

Jordan Pickford was not at fault for the first goal England conceded from the penalty spot but has had very little work to do so far. Apart from making one save so far he was beaten by Tunisia's Ferjani Sassi, despite getting his finger-tips on the ball. Thibaut Courtois conceded twice against Tunisia in their last outing despite having very little to do. He has made five saves so far and will have to be at his best moving forward, with opposition attacks only getting better.