Just Four Things: England Vs. Belgium

Credits: Squawka Football

It Was Almost What We Expected

Both teams had done their job. They qualified for the Round Of 16 the question. Now the question was how will these two teams be separated on their group ranking. They played in a tempo that you would expect. Neither looked like they will have a proper go, like a really threatening attack towards each other’s box.

They played at a medium pace and at least they did attempt to make a few chances, but Belgium had the most decisive ones with Youri Tielemans’s long-range shot well stopped by Jordan Pickford and Michy Batshauyi almost getting a goal under England’s noses. England on the other hand have not troubled Thiabut Courtois at all almost during the entirety of the match, although he just get the slightest of touches on Marcus Rashford’s effort in a one-on-one situation

Chances though looked few and between, but the pace did rise during some moments. So it was pretty much what we expect: Both haven’t dominated the other but going at a good tempo to show they are trying at least. What we didn’t expect was Adnan Januzaj curling a powerful one into the far post out of nowhere after beating Danny Rose on the left to get in position. It was going to take something special to break the deadlock with how the game was playing and Januzaj provided it.

Careful, England

England though won’t be too bothered with this defeat. If you look at the knockout bracket, England has the easiest path on paper while Belgium may most likely have to deal with Brazil and either France, Argentina, Uruguay or Portugal in the later stages. So Belgium has the hardest path.

It may look easy on paper, but England has to step up a notch. They face Colombia in their second round clash after they won Group H. As seen on what they did to poor Poland, they are capable to create the flair that will most likely trouble that defensive trio. Yerry Mina’s aerial abilities looked great during set-pieces, Juan Quintero is another reliable creative passer and if he does get the ball, Radamel Falcao will likely to score against you.

Of course if there’s one distinct advantage England has is James Rodriguez’ injury that left manager Jose Pekerman pessimistic about the whole thing. Only time will tell if James will be able to make this crucial match. If England gets KO’d out of the tournament, it will lead to harsh criticisms.

 

Lord Fellaini Is In

Among a myriad of changes, Marouane Fellaini makes his presence known in the match. Having somehow signed a new two-year deal with Manchester United. Of course if he’s in the middle of the field, that can only mean one thing: chaos. He did just that when headed down the ball that lead to the goalmouth scramble that Batshuayi almost toe-poked the ball in from Jordan Pickford’s body.

His physique and aerial prowess didn’t make things easy for England going forward during some moments and him being in the England box bought further chaos that could’ve lead Belgium to have another goal or two. He also crucially blocked Danny Welbeck’s low shot that looked to be on-target with Courtois out of position. Maybe that’s why he was offered a new contract.

Trent Alexander-Arnold Looking The Part

19-year old Trent Alexander-Arnold is living the dream when he made his maiden bow in the World Cup, replacing Kieran Trippier. He certainly looked like that he played for England for quite a long time. He was at the center of leading the attacks down the right flank as he got involved most of the times to bring the ball forward.

Granter, Kieran Trippier has the better right-foot to swing those set-pieces and crosses in, but Alexander-Arnold showed he also can create chances. His work-rate in this match was brilliant. Squawka Football provided his stats: 89% accuracy, 76 touches, 10 crosses, two chances created and 100% rate of winning tackles and aerial duals. He is someone that can be counted upon and Liverpool is surely thankful they have a right-back of his caliber. He can only get better from here.

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