Our prediction for this match:
England
Match Time & Date:
26 March 2024
19:45
Prediction: 2-1
Belgium
England will be aiming to recover from a heart-breaking loss to Brazil when they take on Belgium in yet another international friendly at Wembley Stadium. The Three Lions missed a couple of clear-cut chances to score against the Selecao, with Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane being sorely missed. All Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, and Sam Johnstone have withdrawn from the squad with injuries, with all Lewis Dunk, Ezri Konsa, and Joe Gomez pushing for a start. In Kane’s absence, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins will continue leading the line for the hosts.
The Red Devils, on the other hand, failed to impress in a goalless draw with Republic of Ireland and seeing that key players Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne remain on the sidelines, we are tempted to put our money on Gareth Southgate’s troops. Both Jeremy Doku and Dodi Lukebakio should be recalled to the starting line-up.
Highlighted Player (Marcus Rashford):
Marcus Rashford is one of the most talented English footballers. Rashford was born in Wythenshawe, Manchester on October 31, 1997 and he began his youth career at Fletcher Moss Rangers. Manchester United scouts spotted him in 2005 when he joined the famous Premier League club.
The pacey footballer, who is capable of playing as both winger and striker, marked his Manchester United first-team debut with two goals in a 5-1 crushing of Midtjylland in the Europa League.
Marcus Rashford scored seven goals in 35 appearances for the Red Devils in the 2017/2018 Premier League season. Speaking of his international debut, the Manchester United attacker played his first match for England against Australia on May 27, 2016 and he did well to find the net in a 2-1 win over the Socceroos.
After producing fine displays with Manchester United in the 2017/2018 season, Marcus Rashford was named in the 23-man England national team squad that will take part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Highlighted Team (Belgium):
Present on the international stage since 1904, Belgium national team have had plenty of ups and downs in the past, finishing as runners up at the 1980 European Championship in Italy. The Red Devils also won the third place on home soil at the 1972 tournament, while they enjoyed some success at the World Cup finals as well.
Belgium qualified for 12 World Cup tournaments, reaching the semi-finals in 1986 and quarter-finals at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. It is the generation that played in Brazil that is believed to be the most talented team since the one featuring Enzo Scifo, Michel Preud’homme and Franky van der Elst.
Playing their home games at King Baudouin Stadium, the Red Devils have impressed at the start of the 21st century, with the likes of Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne just some of the world-class players in the squad. Following some impressive results in the Euro 2016 qualifiers and international friendlies, Belgium climbed to number 1 position in the FIFA Rankings in November 2015.
Sabah Baku
Celje
AEK Larnaca
Partizan
Paks
CFR Cluj
Shakhtar Donetsk
Ilves
Trnava
Hacken
Legia
Aktobe
