FIFA World Cup 2018™: Why England Should Beat Belgium

Ahead of England's clash with Belgium, we look at the likely tactical battles on the field. If England can exploit Belgium's specific weaknesses, they should earn a victory.

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[cowboysg]

Great piece of tactical analysis. Belgium of course will have analyzed England's weaknesses to be exploited. Win or lose, it'll be a good game with the shackles off.

[bv]

This whole analysis is quite redundant and imo wishful thinking. This only shows how Belgium plays when it has a typical 2/3-0 advantage (just rewatch the Panama and Tunisia games when these teams are given the space you mention) Until they have reached a comfortable score they press the opponent into oblivion. England won't have the space you mention in the early stages. They also won't be able to create the spaces themselves because they lack the creative playmakers to do so.

Also KDB and Witsel alternate, playing much higher as described in this video. This is accomplished by the pushing up two of the three centerbacks, Alderweireld and Vertonghen. Even if KDB or Witsel don't play you still have Dembele and Tielemans, who can fullfill the same exact role.

[tonchev]

Looking forward to the video explaining why it didn't happen.

[lorenzomartinez]

Next video: Why IT'S COMING HOME BOYZ

[somebloke]

I commented on a previous video saying to stop getting my hopes up. You're doing it again, stop it.

[TubbysWorld]

it will be difficult but not impossible . however Belgium is still much more better equipped than England . Belgium has a better Midfield as well.Playing Dier in the midfield would be suicidal for England.

[superduperfreakyDj]

This video is entirely redundant considering Martinez will play the entire B side. No Hazard, lukaku, KDB, Mertens, Vertonghen or Meunier

[thomasdekeersmaecker]

Martinez has already said that he will not play his players with yellow cards (De Bruyne, Vertonghen, Meunier) It's also unlikely that players with small injuries will play, especially Lukaku. Maybe even Mertens and Eden Hazard. I think Martinez won't risk anything with Kompany or Vermaelen coming back from injuries. This means we have a B- defence, midfield without De Bruyne and a completely B attack. As analysed multiple times, at this moment it's best to finish second to avoid Colombia, Brazil and Germany. This can change however, Martinez will base his choice thursday evening (!) on this knowledge.

[JaleelBeig]

If Vinny doesn't play, Belgium will be in trouble. Particularly during set pieces. England are very good at that.

[anonymous-rjok]

Can't wait for the why England lost against Belgium video.

[victorygeorge]

Talk about Nigeria and Argentina. 🇳🇬 vs 🇦🇷

[callummackay]

England’s tactics & formation is a definite trump card to Belgium’s. If Belgium plays their 3 at the back the English wingbacks will dominate the wings and against the likes of Trippier they’ll be in trouble.

If Belgium plays a 532 then the midfield can be saturated by England’s 2 CDM’s and wingbacks giving a definite advantage in midfield.

Good luck to the both of them

[TheFloyd]

Belgium have a major weakness in that their manager is poor, and the players lack confidence in his ability.

He is purposely trying to avoid tough opposition and may sacrifice Belgium's positive momentum to make up for his lack of confidence in his own abilities against top sides.

England, however, could potentially take some of the best forward moment onto the knock out stage and if they're on fire, victories against Colombia and Germany would not be out of the question.

Belgium shouldn't throw the match, they should aim to win the group against a good side and push on through the tournament. With forward momentum on their side.

[joe]

Flippin' GREAT channel by dudes. Great insights in a very timely delivery!

[A-small-amount-of-peas]

As a Welshman I would say Belgium are easily beatable, it's odd considering the strength in depth that they posses in their squad but their defensive fringe players whenever they come on can have shocking lapses in concentration

[stevendchu]

I actually want Belgium to play their big guns.
Look at it this way. If England lose vs their A team, they'll get an important reality check, hopefully learn from their mistakes and get the easier draw.
If England beat them, great confidence booster knowing you can stop a top side.

However, if England beat their reserves, you really don't learn much and the defense will still not be properly tested going against (likely) Colombia

[BENS]

Excellent analysis. Real football journalism at last.

[simonschaubroeck]

Good video, but don't forget...Belgium failed in previous Euro, because we had no tactical flexibility. The reason we changed trainer was to learn different formations. This video assumes Belgium is gonna stick to only 1 gameplan.

[jamescusack]

I don’t like this feeling - I’ve got hope in England’s Team now! Somebody help me!!!

[faisalb]

I wonder if the managers actually watch these videos to know what tactics to implement