England and Belgium meet in St Petersburg on Saturday in the World Cup game that neither side wanted to be in.
Both teams will still be feeling the disappointment of missing out on Sunday’s final, but a win for the Three Lions would secure their best finish at a World Cup finals since 1966.
England’s heartbreaking extra-time defeat against Croatia could have left a mark on Gareth Southgate’s side, while Belgium have a point to prove after coming up short against France in their semi-final.
Belgium are priced at 23/20 to win the game in 90 minutes, with England available at 11/5 and the draw on offer at 11/4.
OLBG have a selection of free bets available on the fixture, so check these out before wagering on the outcome.
Southgate confirmed after England’s defeat to Croatia that he will be forced to make changes to his starting XI on Saturday.
Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier was nursing a groin injury in the closing stages against Croatia, so may well not be risked for what is effectively a dead rubber. Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander will replace him.
Striker Harry Kane could also drop to the bench despite leading the race to win the Golden Boot. Kane is currently two goals ahead of Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku, but he looked leg weary towards the end of Wednesday’s game.
Jamie Vardy could come in for Kane, with Marcus Rashford likely to be given the opportunity to shine alongside him in place of Raheem Sterling.
Danny Rose will probably replace Ashley Young at left-back, while Eric Dier is expected to be chosen ahead of Jordan Henderson in the middle of the park. Dele Alli may keep his place further forward.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez has Thomas Meunier available again after the semi-final loss to France and he may also be tempted to shuffle his pack for the game.
England have a good record against Belgium, winning 15 of their 22 previous meetings.
The teams have already met once at this summer’s finals, with Belgium winning their Group G encounter 1-0 after both nations had already qualified for the knockout stage.
That win placed Belgium in what was perceived as the tougher half of the draw, although they subsequently went on to defeat five-time winners Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Their star players failed to break down’s France’s dogged defence in the last four, but they could have too much firepower against an extremely deflated England side.
Belgium to win and both teams to score is priced at 5/2 and that looks the call in what is likely to be an open game.
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