While we may all be looking forward to England v Belgium tonight it seems it could be more of a case of shadow boxing before the latter stages of the competition if the rumoured England starting team is to be believed.
The two teams are vying for top spot in Group G but that won't stop Southgate from introducing a host of changes, with Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eric Dier and Gary Cahill all expected to start. There's even talk of Fabian Delph getting his place as well but it's hard to see where he will fit in. The Telegraph reports that key men, such as captain Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling will be rested, while the manager won't risk Kyle Walker, a player currently on a yellow card and at risk of suspension.
Rumoured England Starting Team
The possible England starting line-up is: Jordan Pickford; Phil Jones, John Stones, Gary Cahill; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Eric Dier, Jesse Lingard, Danny Rose; Marcus Rashford, Jamie Vardy.
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Meanwhile Beligum are also expected to field a weakened side, with Roberto Martinez already stating that tonight is not their priority. Romelu Lukaku is definitely ruled out and both Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are expected to be rested as well.
As it stands it may actually prove more beneficial to finish second in the group as those who top it are on course to face Brazil in a possible quarter-final, compared to the prospect of either Switzerland or Sweden in the quarter-final for whoever finishes second.
So you can nearly take it as guaranteed that England will finish second but then lose in the last 16.
