Let’s show Lions’ pride

THE World Cup play-off for third and fourth place may seem like an irrelevant game to many.

But for a country which has only won one meaningful trophy in its history, we should not be turning our noses up at the chance to win a bronze medal.

Gareth Southgate will not be seeing this game against Belgium as a pointless precursor to the big event tomorrow.

The pain of that semi-final defeat will still lie heavy but the reason we came so far is because England are different. There will be changes but this game is the chance to continue building.

With no consequence to defeat, I can see it being a more open game and certainly both sides to score at

1-2 looks certain. At 10-3, I am optimistic of an England win and over

2.5 goals in the game. From an England perspective, it would ease the pain if it transpires we went out to the eventual winners. The Croats are

10-3 to beat France and made hard work of the knockout stage.

But in their desire to overcome the obstinate Danes, Russia – who were buoyed by home advantage – and a youthful England side after 360 minutes of football and two penalty shoot-outs, their self-belief has gone through the roof.

So much so, that Dejan Lovren has declared himself one of the world’s great defenders.

Facing Kylian Mbappe, though, may just prove to be the unravelling of his new-found faith.

The Frenchman has been breathtaking at times and you can get 10-1 for him to score two goals or more.

The most intriguing battle is between arguably the two best midfields in the tournament – and it is one which should win France the game.

The finesse of Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic will be more than combated by the energy and class of