Belgium vs. England Prediction
One of the most anticipated games in group play will happen today as Belgium takes on England with the winner taking first place in Group G. Will favored England get the victory today against a Belgian squad that might be without its biggest star?
Game Snapshot
97839 Belgium vs. 97840 England
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Kaliningrad Stadium at 2PM ET
TV: FOX
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers, England is a +150 favorite to win on the moneyline. Belgium is a +205 underdog, while a draw bet is set at +205. The total sits at 2.5 goals.
Lukaku doubtful versus England
Belgium star striker Romelu Lukaku is nursing a minor injury and is not likely to play today against England. Lukaku scored two goals in the 5-2 destruction over Tunisia. Eden Hazard gave Belgium a 1-0 lead in the sixth minute, while Lukaku made it a 2-0 game. After Tunisia cut the deficit in half in the 18th minute, Lukaku scored again just before halftime to push it to 3-1. Hazard scored again in the 51st minute, while Michy Batshuayi found the back of the net in the 90th minute. Tunisia added an extra time goal to finish the scoring.
Kane hat trick propels England
England dominated Panama to the tune of 6-1 as striker Harry Kane recorded three goals, two on penalty kicks plus another on a lucky deflection off his leg as he was looking to clear. England led 6-0 through 6-0 minutes and Kane was subbed out before Panama finally got on the board in the 78th minute. John Stones scored two of the goals for England, while Jesse Lingard also scored a goal.
Prediction:
I’m honestly not sure if either team wants to win this contest as the second-place team in the group might arguably have a better draw. I might be speculating a little too hard, but I feel like Lukaku would be playing if Belgium really cared about winning. This might be a situation where neither team puts a lot of chances on goal as both know they are advancing and don’t have a lot of incentive to win. So despite scoring a combined 11 goals in their last matches, I’m going to go with the under here.
WORLD CUP DAILY PREDICTION: BELGIUM/ENGLAND UNDER 2.5