England and Belgium to battle for Group G top spot

Players of England celebrate the opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2018 group G preliminary round soccer match between England and Panama in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, 24 June 2018.

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Wednesday Jun 27, 2018. 13:00

England will lock horns with Belgium in their final 2018 FIFA World Cup Group G match at the Kaliningrad Stadium in Russia on Thursday.

Kick-off is at 20h00 CAT.

The Three Lions registered their second victory at the tournament when they hammered Central American side Panama 6-1 at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Sunday.

The emphatic win took England to the top of Group G standings with six points from two matches.

The European giants, who won the 1966 World Cup, have already booked their placed in the Round of 16 and they will now look to win their group.

Harry Kane, who is the current top goalscorer at the ongoing World Cup with five goals, is the Three Lions captain and he look to lead his side to victory against Belgium.

Meanwhile, Belgium recorded their second win at the tournament when thumped African side Tunisia 5-2 at the Spartak Stadium on Saturday.

As a result, the Red Devils find themselves on second spot on the Group G standings with six points from two games.

The European side have also qualified for the Round of 16 and a victory over England will see them win Group G.

Eden Hazard, who is Belgium's inspirational captain, is a very influential player for the Red Devils and he has the ability to inspire his nation to victory against England.

In head-to-head stats according to the FIFA.com, England and Belgium have clashed 21 times.

England have secured 15 wins compared to Belgium's one win, while five games have ended in a draw.

Match referee Damir Skomina, who hails from Slovenia, will be in charge of Thursday's clash between England and Belgium.