England and Belgium face each other, and also first real test
By Aman Sridhar
England and Belgium have both impressed at the World Cup so far, but will face their first real tests when they play each other on Thursday.
England and Belgium have arguably been the best two sides at the World Cup, both scoring eight goals while conceding only twice in their first two matches. They possess players with enormous talent and are playing with confidence.
The fact remains, however, that neither team has really been tested yet. They both dispatched mediocre opponents and nothing more. Still, there are reasons for both teams to be optimisitic.
England are a youthful, energetic side that look to have finally put behind the travails of yore. They’re playing like a team, the relationship with the influential British media seems to be cordial, but most importantly, they have a manager who is a leader. He’s an inspirational and tactically intelligent coach who has made this squad in his own image. He’s brought a good balance of light-hearted and aggressive energy to England, and it’s paying big dividends already.
England have brought this aggression onto the pitch. They blitzed their way to a lead against both Tunisia and Panama. Had they converted their chances in the first half against Tunisia, they would have been out of sight before Tunisia’s equalizer.
Harry Kane has unsurprisingly led the way with five goals, but more unexpectedly, Jessi Lingard has been the key supporting attacker.
All season Lingard operated as a number 10 for Man United, either in a 4-2-3-1 or a 3-5-1-1. He knows the role well and has made it his own. His energy is key for England, and he’s the focal point behind which the other players can press. Lingard also has the ability to pick up the ball between the lines and run at defenses. This is a major threat. What England lack in creative midfielders, they make up for in direct runners. Lingard’s ability to link up play between the deeper midfield and the forward line is vital to them scoring.
The biggest key to England’s success so far has been Gareth Southgate. He was decisive in his team selection from the very start and deserves credit for that. Additionally, he has had them playing with three at the back for a while now, and the squad have comfortably settled into it.
England, however, don’t lack talent going forward. It’s at the back where their problems may ultimately lie. Despite being talented, John Stones, Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire haven’t yet been put under any really pressure.
Against Belgium, Southgate might bring in Gary Cahill to add a bit of composure and experience. England haven’t kept a clean sheet yet, and Cahill’s presence at the back might help shut out Belgium.
It’s a double edged sword though. Resting players means breaking up momentum, while allowing the manager to tinker. Players like Stones and Raheem Sterling are better when they’re confident. Should Cahill and Marcus Rashford (most likely to replace the two) perform better than expected, Southgate will have a positive selection dilemma. However, Stones and Sterling might lose the momentum they have gained.
Next: Belgium vs. Tunisia: 3 things we learned
As for Belgium, Roberto Martinez has said he’ll rest players against England. The decisive nature of this statement is insight into both the depth of the Belgian squad as well as the confidence running through them. Belgium themselves have an unhappy habit of shooting themselves in the foot. Martinez has taken over this side and created a bit of stability around it. But his reputation as a manager isn’t the best. Most of his sides play free-flowing, attacking soccer, but seem to stumble over themselves in defense.
Belgium haven’t yet been tested at the back. They conceded two avoidable goals against Tunisia, and if the Euros are any indicator, a team with an attacking edge can definitely hurt them. Belgium have a very open midfield. England are compact. Rashford and Kieran Trippier will pose a huge test for Yannick Carrasco at wing-back.
Belgium look like they’ve gotten rid of the errors at the back that plagued them in France in 2016. This group of players now have experience at big tournaments on their resume. They look throughly professional and polished. Kevin De Bruyne epitomizes this demeanor coming off his best season yet.
Both sides have already qualified, which means what’s at stake is almost nothing. The competitive edge to the players will mean that neither will want to roll over. Familiar faces will be up against each other on Thursday and regardless of the team sheets, it promises to be a cracking contest.