Third-place play-off is a Ded rubber for Brendan

BY CRAIG SWAN BRENDAN RODGERS insists nobody wants to be involved in today’s World Cup third-place play-off as he is made to wait for Dedryck Boyata’s return.

The Celtic stopper is still involved with Belgium as they prepare to battle England in St Petersburg for the bronze medal.

Boyata featured in all three of Belgium’s group games but was replaced by Vincent Kompany for the knockout stages after the Manchester City star returned to fitness.

The Red Devils saw their hopes of World Cup glory come to an end with defeat to France in the semis.

The 27-year-old remains in Russia with Roberto Martinez’s side and could be given more game time in the clash with England.

But Rodgers believes the Belgians and Gareth Soutghate’s men, beaten in extra time by Croatia in the last four, will just want to be on the plane home.

England lost their last third-place play-off to hosts Italy in 1990 and Rodgers said: “Players won’t want to play in it and the coaching staff – not necessarily.

“There’s nothing to be gained from it. It’s an extra game on to a very long season and the beginning of another one.

“It might give other players the opportunity to play but once you are knocked out, especially in the semis, you want to get back to your family, have a break and start again.”