FIFA World Cup 2018: England make five changes for third place play-off with Belgium

Harry Kane, who with six goals is favourite for the Golden Boot, will start alongside Raheem Sterling in what is a much changed England line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2018 third-place play-off vs. Belgium.

football Updated: Jul 14, 2018 19:08 IST
Harry Kane (C), who with six goals is favourite for the Golden Boot, will start alongside Raheem Sterling in what is a much changed England line-up for the FIFA World Cup 2018 third-place play-off vs. Belgium.(AFP)

England manager Gareth Southgate made five changes to his team for Saturday’s World Cup third-place play-off against Belgium but the tournament’s top scorer Harry Kane starts. (BEL v ENG live updates)

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Eric Dier, Phil Jones, Danny Rose and Fabian Delph all come into the starting line-up after beginning on the bench in the semi-final defeat to Croatia. (FULL FIFA WORLD CUP 2018 COVERAGE)

Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson are all dropped to the bench by Southgate.

Kane, who with six goals is favourite for the Golden Boot, will start alongside Raheem Sterling.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez made two changes with Thomas Meunier returning from suspension and Youri Tielemans given a start. Midfielders Mousa Dembele and Marouane Fellaini make way.

Starting line-ups for the World Cup third place playoff between Belgium and England in Saint Petersburg on Saturday (1400 GMT kick-off):

Belgium (3-4-3)

Thibaut Courtois; Toby Alderweireld, Vincent Kompany, Jan Vertonghen; Thomas Meunier, Axel Witsel, Youri Tielemans, Nacer Chadli; Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Eden Hazard (capt)

Coach: Roberto Martinez (ESP)

England (3-5-2)

Jordan Pickford; Phil Jones, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Eric Dier, Fabian Delph, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Danny Rose; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane (capt)

Coach: Gareth Southgate (ENG)

Referee: Alireza Faghani (IRI)