Belgium hit form at the wrong time

As if to prove that the world is now smaller than a postage stamp, a couple of us watched Belgium demolish Costa Rica in a friendly in the Liverpool Bar in St Petersburg, where Beatles images were everywhere and a band played Chuck Berry songs.

globalised pub experience was not disorientating to conceal the quality of Belgium’s play.

Eden Hazard’s runs were alarming, as were the crispness and speed of Belgian passing.

England’s final group-stage opponents were quarter-finalists at the past two international tournaments and would be the form-book pick in Kaliningrad. There was a confidence in their attacking play that would have unsettled England’s scouts.

Hazard leaving the pitch with a dead leg was about the only ray of encouragement.

But even if this performance was an accurate picture of Belgium’s chances, England can feel that second place in the group would not be calamitous.