KANE DESPERATE TO PLAY

determine the group winners. England and Belgium have identical records but Southgate’s men lead the pool because of their better fair play record. Finishing second could provide an easier route to the final, whereas a quarter-final against Germany or Brazil is a distinct possibility for whoever wins the group. But Southgate wants his side to continue their 100 per cent start, saying: ‘That’s dangerous territory if we start trying to plot and predict where we might end up. We just have to keep playing as well as we can, keep preparing the team the right way, keep the momentum and I have to keep the squad involved. That’s the one thing I think is really important.’ While Belgium manager Roberto Martinez (below) is ready to make a number of changes for Thursday’s game, with the knockout stages in mind, Harry Kane is expected to plead with Southgate to start as he chases the Golden Boot. Kane is leading the race to be the World Cup’s top scorer with five goals. Southgate said: ‘Obviously the Golden Boot is very important for Harry, so I have to balance what’s right for the squad. ‘He also knows the team is the most important thing and we have to make decisions that are right for the team.’ Kane said: ‘Everybody wants to play. The gaffer will make the decision.’ Sportsmail understands Kane is in line for a bonus for his goalscoring in Russia, courtesy of his boot deal with Nike.