Match Previews

A sound 6-1 win over Panama gave England qualification to last 16. Kane top scorer of the competition after scoring hat-trick. Draw or win will give them leadership of the Group G. Alli with the group.

England had the easiest of life against Panama as they immediately managed to take the lead, right after the kickoff. Things went even better due to the highly defensive attitude adopted from the Canaleros as they had the opportunity to keep on attacking and scoring. Having achieved a 6-goal lead, they eventually slowed their rhythm down, eventually letting the opponents score once.

This was the best win ever for the Three Lions in a World Cup and it was also their best start in the competition, as they had win the two initial games also in 1982 and in 2006 but scoring less goals. Kane is the third English player ever to score a hat-trick in the World Cup.

Kane was the hero of the day with his hat-trick but also Stones hit the news with a bright brace. And Lingard's goal was oustanding. There were no negative performances for coach Southgate's boys.

Thanks to their success over Panama, England are now the leaders in the Group G, as they have less yellow cards than second-placed Belgium. And it is Belgium they will next be facing. Having already secured the qualification to the knockout stage, a win or a draw, provided they keep less yellow cards, will confirm their leadership in the Group.

Alli, who has been dealing with a muscular issue has resumed regular training. Trippier was subbed off against Panama out of precaution.

Walker and Loftus-Cheek are one yellow card away from ban.

Coach Southgate is facing a major dilemma: should he maintain his starting eleven untouched or opt for a wide rotation? At the back, Cahill could represent an alternative to Walker, in order to keep him from picking up a second yellow card. On the flanks of the midfield, Alexander-Arnold and Rose could be tested instead of Trippier and Young respectively. Dier could be preferred to Henderson, or Loftus-Cheek, who is risking a ban through a second yellow card, in the middle of the park. Up-front, Rashford could be favourite over Sterling as Kane's partner.

England and Belgium have crossed swords 21 times this far: the Three Lions won 15, while drawing 4 and losing 2, scoring 73 goals and conceding 29. The two sides met twice in the World Cup and England won once in 1990, while drawing in 1954. Both games needed extra times. England last lost to Belgium back in 1998 following a penalty shootout.