Five things we learned: England 0-1 Belgium
Rashford and Vardy won't displace Sterling, and Belgium reaffirm themselves amongst the tournament favourites. It's five things we learned from England v Belgium.
RASHFORD & VARDY WON’T DISPLACE STERLING
With the pressure off, Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy had what was probably their last chance to claim as much game time in the knockout stages as possible.
Rashford was lively and, as he has been recently, never too far away from a moment of magic, but his end product just wasn’t good enough. Vardy was his usual hardworking self, but England’s lack of dynamism going forward meant he could never find and an opening.
Despite Raheem Sterlings goal drought, Vardy and Rashford didn’t do enough to turn Southgate’s head when it comes to deciding the lineup against Colombia on Monday.
HARRY KANE CRUCIAL TO ENGLAND’S OFFENCE
Gareth Southgate’s refusal to bring on Harry Kane against Belgium only emphasises England’s reliance on their captain. He is the tournament’s leading goalscorer, and responsible for 5 of England’s 7 goals.
Every defender on England’s side of the draw will be very worried about lining up against him and their attempts to prioritise keeping him out the game will only open opportunities for England’s other attacking options.
A RARE ANTICLIMAX IN RUSSIA
At the very most a nation can watch their team compete in seven World Cup matches every four years - and that’s if they make it to the final. So what a shame it is that two rivalling international sides go into a World Cup tie looking for a loss.
Even though Southgate refused to admit it verbally before the game, eight changes to the England starting XI told the whole story, a loss was a win today.
In a World Cup full of excitement and drama, this game had none.
BELGIUM ARE FAVOURITES
Tonight Belgium completed a group stage clean sweep and the ease in which they’ve done it should worry anyone on their side of the knockout draw. Big names don’t always mean big performances, but Belgium showed no signs of wobbling against Tunisia and Panama, and despite playing a second string side against England, despatched them without too much trouble.
For England, being drawn in a group with Belgium means they can’t face them until the final, and the England staff will be very happy about that.
TRENT SHINES ON ANOTHER BIG STAGE
After an incredible breakout season at Liverpool, Trent Alexander-Arnold rightfully earned a seat on the plane to Russia. He proved yet again against Belgium that he can be relied upon against the world’s best.
It will probably take an injury for him to feature again during the tournament but he’ll take this experience with him and should be a strong candidate to start for England at the European Championships in 2020.