England vs Belgium Third Placed Playoff Review

England 0-2 Belgium 

England's 2018 World Cup campaign in Russia ended with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in St Petersburg that meant that thee Three Lions finished in a respectable fourth place.
Gareth Southgate's team were unable to bounce back from the despair of Wednesday's extra-time loss against Croatia in the semi-final in Moscow, but this tournament finish still represents a highly creditable tournament for England, and demonstrates a high degree of progress from Brazil 2014 and the European Championships in France 2016
PSG right-back Thomas Meunier had put Belgium ahead after only four minutes, when he slid in ahead of Spurs defender Danny Rose to finish Nacer Chadli's cross past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
England had a multitude of chances to level in the second half, but continuously failed to convert, as Toby Alderweireld cleared off the line from Eric Dier, while Harry Maguire also headed wide from a good position.
Chelsea winger Eden Hazard wrapped it up for Belgium with eight minutes left when he yet again got the better of Phil Jones to beat Pickford, who had just produced an excellent save from a Meunier shot, with a strong finish.
Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku missed two great chances and was disappointedly  substituted without scoring. As a result, England captain Harry Kane in pole position to win the World Cup's Golden Boot with six goals. Kane will be the recipient of said award, albeit unless remarkable deeds from France duo Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe occur, who are on three goals apiece, in Sunday's final against Croatia in Moscow at 16:00. 

Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard was named Man of the Match 



For England it was certainly a second half improvement but the poor first half performance was certainly their downfall, and sadly had a multitude of players who failed to impress. Harry Kane certainly had a tournament of two halves, and failed to impress again. Raheem Sterling had a dismal campaign, substitute Alli did nothing no impress and Phil Jones made another mistake and allowed Hazard to score. 

 Jordan Pickford, Kieran Trippier and Harry Maguire were all standout stars for England and Maguire is now being linked to a move to Manchester United for £50million. 
    All eyes are now on the final on Saturday 15th July between France and Croatia 

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