Talking points

Courier Sport looks at the pressing issues ahead of today’s Group G fixture.

Bragging rights or best route?

As soon as it became clear the runners-up spot might offer a gentler path of progression in the tournament, questions began to surface as to whether either side would really want to win in Kaliningrad. Although there is valid logic to that line of inquiry, it ignores the fact that the squads of England and Belgium contain a total of 35 Premier League players, plus four more who have experience of the division. That adds up to a lot of established rivalry, club friendships and chances for one-upmanship and they will not be passed up lightly.

Changing of the guard

The likelihood that both teams will indulge in significant rotation has been well-trailed, with some players likely to be wrapped in cotton wool, others rested for conditioning reasons and no risks likely to be taken with those on yellow cards. The real question is how high the total number of changes will reach. If it approaches FA Cup third round territory, what looked like one of the group stage’s most interesting contests could lose some of its lustre.

Can Kane keep it up?

With five goals in the first two games, Harry Kane has truly arrived on the international stage and has made it perfectly clear he wants to continue riding his hot streak against Belgium. Gareth Southgate’s instincts might be more cautious as he eyes the knockout stage, but it looks increasingly likely his captain’s hunger will win the day. He is just one away from Gary Lineker’s six-goal salvo in Mexico in 1986 and will want as many chances as possible to overhaul it.

Throwing caution to the wind

If the teams are level pegging as the game winds towards its climax, do not be surprised if attention turns to the referee. With the teams tied on points, goal difference and goals scored, the group winners would be determined by disciplinary points. England are currently marginally ahead on that metric and it could be telling if either side produce a slew of rash or cynical challenges late on. As well as the calibre of likely opposition, Belgium are said to be happier with the travel arrangements attached to second place and a couple of yellow cards could be enough to secure it.