Pickford says England aim to finish top of the group

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford would happily pocket three points and a clean sheet if Belgium decide to take it easy in Kaliningrad, insisting there is no chance of Gareth Southgate’s side dialling down their own intensity.

The World Cup Group G rivals are already through to the last 16 and tomorrow will see them vie for first and second place.

Projections suggest the team which finishes runner-up would enjoy a more gentle sequence of knockout fixtures – a prospect which the Belgians are reportedly keen on, particularly as they would also play their first knockout match in Moscow, where they are based.

England, though, appear more bullish about the fixture and Pickford sees no need for split priorities.

“If that’s how they feel it will make my job easier,” the Everton keeper said.

“If they don’t want to score they won’t have any shots. We’re ready for them and we’re ready to win the game. We want to finish top of the group.”

Brazil or Germany are shaping up as nightmare quarter-final possibilities for the team which takes top spot – assuming, of course, they also negotiate their first knockout game.

“It doesn’t matter who we might play next because to get as far as you can, to get to the final, you’re going to have to face these top teams,” said Pickford.

“Either way you’re going to have to play them so, if we play them early, that’s how it’s going to be.”

Southgate, meanwhile, moved to sweep aside any sense of complacency.

Referencing England’s recent failings on the global stage – humbled in the round of 16 by Germany in 2010 and failing to progress from their group four years later – he told TALKSPORT:

“We’ve won our last knockout game in 2006, so it’s pointless me worrying about what hotel we might be able to stay in the semi-final. Let’s focus on Belgium.”