The Best Bet: England to finish Group H top with win over Belgium

England and Belgium find themselves in a peculiar situation where finishing second in Group H will actually provide them with the best route to the final. Topping the ground would set up a potential quarter-final clash with Brazil, whereas claiming second would mean a run all the way to the last four without facing a recognised international heavyweight.

Gareth Southgate has dismissed the idea that England will try and tactically finish second, alluding to the fact their recent record in knockout football is so poor that it is neither an advantage or disadvantage where they end up finishing. In fact, England haven’t won a knockout game at a major tournament since 2006.

Belgium, meanwhile, have all but confirmed they want to finish second and will make wholesale changes to their starting XI to give them the best chance of doing so. Romelu Lukaku has scored four goals in his opening two matches but will miss out against the Three Lions due to injury.

Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne are reportedly desperate to face off against some of their club friends and Premier League rivals, but Roberto Martinez is expected to leave both out and field a second string XI against England on Thursday night.

Belgium are actually strengthened by the return of Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany and you cannot dismiss the quality of their fringe players, but it’s not going to be the same Belgium side that we have seen smash in eight goals in their opening two games.

England are also expected to make changes but, externally at least, they are gunning for top spot and to keep momentum going following two hugely impressive performances over Tunisia and Panama. Kyle Walker and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are both one booking away from suspension and will be rested, while captain Harry Kane is expected to make way for Leicester striker Jamie Vardy.

The Tottenham striker is the tournament’s leading scorer and but will only get the chance to extend his lead from the bench on Wednesday evening. Southgate is also expected to give Marcus Rashford the chance to stretch his legs, although many feel he should be starting over Raheem Sterling anyway.

Eric Dier and Danny Rose are also expected to feature from the off, but some would argue they are upgrades on Jordan Henderson and Ashley Young anyway. Given the fact Belgium have already confirmed their intentions to finish second, it’s hard to see them winning this match. The mentality will be off and that should give England the chance to press ahead and lay down a statement of intent.

For all of the goals both sides have scored, 16 between them, neither have looked entirely convincing at the back. With everything in mind, it would be worth considering England to win and both teams to score, which Marathon Bet are offering at an extremely tasty 6.05.