The Three Lions will take on the Red Devils in the England vs Belgium fixture in the third match week of the UEFA Nations League on Sunday, as the top two teams of Group 2 seek a safe passage into the next stage. While Belgium sit atop the points table with six points from two matches, England have drawn one match to garner four points from their two matches.
The England vs Belgium contest has seen the Three Lions dominating over the years, winning 15 of the 23 encounters. Belgium, however, have been a much stronger side of late that include their domination of England at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Regardless, with Belgium currently ranked first and England fourth in FIFA’s world rankings, this has the potential to be a tremendous game.
ENGLAND
England’s national football team has found an unusual consistency under manager Gareth Southgate. Though Harry Kane and Co. were held 0-0 by Denmark in their group stage match, England saw off an arrogant Iceland side 1-0. England have lost just one of their last 10 matches and they come to the UEFA Nations League match at the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win over Wales in a friendly.
Gareth Southgate will have Tammy Abraham and Jadon Sancho available for selection although left-back Ben Chilwell is a doubt. The bigger blow for England has obviously been Raheem Sterling’s withdrawal from the squad.
BELGIUM
Belgium have had a brilliant run of late and their form is a clear reflection of the talent and discipline that Roberto Martinez has at his disposal. Belgium have seen off Denmark and Iceland comfortably to top their group and come to the England clash at the back of a 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast in a friendly. The last time Belgium had lost was against Switzerland in 2018.
Roberto Martinez, however, will be without star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for the match. He is joined on the list by midfielder Nacer Chadli and striker Dries Mertens.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
England predicted XI (3-4-3): Jordan Pickford (GK), Harry Maguire, Conor Coady, Tyrone Mings, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Kieran Trippier, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane (C), Jack Grealish
Belgium predicted XI (3-4-3): Simon Mignolet (GK), Toby Alderweireld, Jason Denayer, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier, Kevin de Bruyne, Axel Witsel, Eden Hazard (C), Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku, Jeremy Doku
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