Group A2 thriller on the cards
Gareth Southgate will only be too keenly aware that realistically, he needs to lead England to a win against fellow Group A2 powerhouses Belgium on Sunday to have any chance of reaching the UEFA Nations League finals for a second time in succession. The urgency should make for a splendidly open and end-to-end affair, just as with all recent previous meetings between the two countries. Read our preview here:
Three Lions strikers on song
Dominic Calvert-Lewin underlined his burgeoning reputation with a debut goal in a senior England shirt on Wednesday evening against Wales, proving just how much his movement and aerial ability have developed in recent months. There's no guarantee he'll even start against Belgium; Danny Ings has quietly come back into contention thanks to his continuing form for Southampton, and his overhead kick against the Dragons will give his international head coach a pleasant dilemma to contend with. Harry Kane should lead the line after being rested, and there's always some purchase to be had against the expansive, wide central defensive trio Roberto Martinez employs for their opponents.
Red Devilry in midfield
Although the balance has always been tipped towards the offensive rather than defensive in the middle of the park under Martinez, the Red Devils probably possess a midfield that can be the envy of every other country in the world besides France. Kevin De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans need little introduction, and with Axel Witsel likely to complete the triumvirate, they should have the run of the game in this encounter. Romelu Lukaku's first touch is below par, but there's little doubting his efficacy when supplied with deft through balls to run onto. Eden Hazard will try to get close to his former club teammate, offering a direct threat cutting in from the left. On the other flank, two-footed Yari Verschaeren will stretch the hosts' backline, and take some of the creative burden away from his more established compatriots.
Wembley wonderment
The two matches in the World Cup in 2018 were curious affairs in that little was really riding on them. Nevertheless, Belgium bested England with relative ease on both occasions. Fans might question if probable qualification for the UEFA Nations League finals by winning on Sunday is that large of a carrot, but that's an opinion that won't be shared by the players on the pitch, desperate to impress. Once more, the collective strengths reside in the attacking thirds, and with the hosts needing to win, expect to see two high lines and plenty of space for some magic to be conjured up. 888sport are offering generous odds of 4.50 for a draw with goals.
