World Cup 2018: 3 key battles that could decide the outcome of England vs Belgium

When the draw for Russia 2018 was announced, two mouth-watering battles stood out from the group stage fixtures: Spain vs Portugal and England vs Belgium. The former lived up to the expectations and delivered a thrilling high-scoring draw with late drama. The latter is the last game of the group stages, and with both teams already having qualified for the next round, one could be forgiven for branding it a 'dead rubber'.

In reality, there is much more at stake. A few upsets in other groups has resulted in many of the pre-tournament favourites ending up in the same half of the knockout bracket. Given the seemingly easier draw in the other half perhaps there may be an incentive to not win this game, but it may not be worth compromising winning momentum.

Here are three key battles that could be crucial to the result of today's game and play a big role in the journey to the Luzhniki Stadium:

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#1 Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen vs England's set-piece routines

Alderweireld and Vertonghen will have to be wary of England's set-piece threat

This is a pair of defenders who have played together for most of the last decade. From Ajax to Tottenham (notwithstanding the Belgian national team), they have been alongside each other at the same club for seven of the last 10 seasons.

Given the amount of time they have had to adapt and adjust to each other's playing style, it comes as no surprise that they have formed a formidable defensive duo for club and country alike.

They will face their toughest challenge of the tournament so far when they take on England and their renewed set-piece threat.

Of the eight goals that England have notched so far in Russia, six have come from set-pieces, with Kieran Trippier discovering the ability to deliver crosses that are being dubbed "Beckhamesque".

It's not just the quantity that has been impressive but the quality as well. Both the goals scored by John Stones against Panama came from meticulously crafted set-piece routines, and England is quickly establishing themselves as the dead-ball specialists of this World Cup.

The responsibility of dealing with this threat will largely rest on the shoulders of Alderweireld and Vertonghen.

#2 Belgium's midfield vs England's midfield

Creative compatriots, but will they be given the chance to shine?

This is as close as one could have got to an England vs Rest of the World match in the Premier League.

Belgium are filled with stars who play club football in England, and the English squad is an all-Premier League squad.

Two standout players are Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne who have been the creative sparks for their respective clubs, and the mere thought of them playing alongside each other is a tantalising one.

Both Hazard and de Bruyne are capable of stamping their authority on a game from anywhere on the park and would relish the opportunity to run wild against players they train with week in and week out.

However Roberto Martinez's mind is already set on the knockouts, and he has said that defeating England is not a priority and that it would be unprofessional to risk players (like de Bruyne) who are already on a yellow.

Despite Hazard and De Bruyne expressing a desire to play against England, wholesale changes to the side look likely, with reports suggesting as many as 10 new faces in the Belgian starting XI.

Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate has tended to prefer a 3-3-2-2 system with three midfielders flanked by wing-backs.

However, given the distinctive 'friendly' atmosphere to this game, it is possible that England too rest some of their key players.

How often do you come across a World Cup game where both teams wouldn't necessarily mind a loss (even though they probably won't admit it), but where each player is bidding to impress their manager?

All the men in the middle of the park may well be simultaneously making their tournament debuts and staking their claim for a starting spot in the next game. The result of this game will hinge largely on how these fringe players perform, both as individuals and as a unit.

#3 Left page of referee's notebook vs right page of referee's notebook

It could come down to the contents of this book

The winner of this match will also top the group. However in the event of a draw, the team which finishes top of the group will be decided by the number of cards received during the match. The order of the tie-breakers (taken from the official website) used during the group stage at Russia 2018 is given below:

1) Greatest number of points obtained in all group matches

2) Goal difference in all group matches

3) Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches

4) Greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned

5) Goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned

6) Greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned

7) Greater number of points obtained in the fair play conduct of the teams based on yellow and red cards received in all group matches

8) Drawing of lots by the FIFA

England and Belgium currently have identical records in the Group G table. They both have six points, a goal difference of +6, have scored eight goals, and have conceded two goals. This means that in the event of a draw between the two sides, they will remain tied on points one to six above.

The tie will then be broken based on fair play conduct. Belgium has received three yellow cards to England's two so far, and the number of times the referee flashes a card during the game may well end up being the determining factor that decides the final standings in Group G.

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Who do you think will top Group G? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!