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Manchester United: Belgium and England look to finish their World Cup campaigns with a medal in third-place play-off

By Ollie Slack

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Belgium take on England in the third-place play-off this afternoon. Both sides will be hoping to finish their World Cup campaigns with a win and leave Russia with a bronze medallion draped around their necks.

If Belgium went on to win the match they would achieve their best ever finish at a World Cup. Whereas if England left Russia with bronze it would be their best finish in an overseas tournament and second overall since the famous win in 1966.

Both sides will find it difficult to get themselves up for the game after losing in the semifinal. Belgium were defeated 1-0 by France after a Samuel Umtiti header separated the two sides.

England, on the other hand, were 22 minutes away from booking their spot in the final. However, goals from Ivan Perisic and then Mario Mandzukic sent Croatia through.
England, on the other hand, were 22 minutes away from booking their spot in the final. However, goals from Ivan Perisic and then Mario Mandzukic sent Croatia through. /

There would have been a sombre mood in both camps ahead of training but they just have to put the disappointment behind them and realise what both teams could achieve would still be a tremendous achievement.

Does the third-place play-off matter?

In my eyes, yes. A lot of the older generation who have grown up with the third-place play-off now seem to loath it. Alan Shearer tweeted his views claiming it as, “pointless”.

However, for this England team who have gripped a nation with the way they have played, deserve to have something oto show for all their efforts.

Likewise with the Belgium team and Roberto Martinez. Not many football players or managers have ever won a World Cup medal of any sorts.

Will both managers rotate the sides?

Belgium are more likely to rotate. They would of been the ones most expected to get through to the final, therefore most disappointed. Martinez will see it an opportunity to give some of his fringe or younger players some experience on the world stage.

Gareth Southgate will do the same to a degree. With the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rueben Loftus-Cheek still young and hungry to impress.
Gareth Southgate will do the same to a degree. With the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Rueben Loftus-Cheek still young and hungry to impress. /

However, England have both Jordan Pickford and Harry Kane who have the rare opportunity to win the individual awards. Kane currently has six goals this tournament and is unlikely to be caught for the Golden Boot. Pickford could win the Golden Glove award, not won on clean sheets, decided by a FIFA panel.

Next: Player Ratings: Manchester United's Englishman World Cup performances RATED!

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