MX23RW : Wednesday, July 18 15:05:48
Jul 14, 2018 at 3pm UK at ​Krestovsky Stadium
Attendance: 64,406
Belgium
2-0
England
Meunier (4'), Hazard (82')
Witsel (93')
FT(HT: 1-0)

Stones (52'), Maguire (76')

England boss Gareth Southgate: 'I don't want to make major changes for Belgium'

Southgate: 'Don't expect major changes'
© Reuters
England boss Gareth Southgate suggests that he does not intend on making wholesale changes for the World Cup third-place playoff with Belgium.

England boss Gareth Southgate has indicated that he will not change his entire starting lineup for the World Cup third-place playoff with Belgium.

Having lost to Croatia after extra time on Wednesday, it was expected that Southgate would rotate his first XI for the fixture in St Petersburg.

However, Southgate has said that each of his 23-man squad wants to feature in the game as England look to secure their second-best finish at the tournament.

At a press conference, the 47-year-old told reporters: "Everyone wants to play but sometimes it is not a good decision to play someone if their energy is not there. It won't be the same XI but we want to make as few changes as possible.

"We have high motivation to perform. We have a chance to win a medal at a World Cup, which only one other English team has ever done. There is a lot of motivation for us and Belgium have already beaten us, so we would like to address that as well."

England have not contested a third-place playoff since 1990 when succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to Italy.

Share this article now:
Tottenham Hotspur's Danny Rose applauds the fans after the match against Leicester City on May 13, 2018
Read Next:
Rose: 'Playing for England is now enjoyable'
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!
Tables

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account