Supp. Sixteen 'Januzaj Strikes Lethargic England'

If Sam Allardyce had not been dismissed from his post as the Three Lions manager after one victorious friendly against Slovenia the side would probably go about their business in the World Cup in the same manner playing wise as Southgates side did in yesterday’s group deciding clash against Belgium.

With both sides resting a large portion of their starting teams, (a whopping eight changes for the English and the Belgians making nine) the affair was dull and lacked intensity for the most part. For Southgates men, the changes made stunted the form which had seen England take flight in the first two matches in Russia. Many of the starters that made their bows struggle for starting births in many Premier League sides - indicative of the overall drop in quality this England squad has seen of late.

England looked to dominate possession in the early stages by shifting the ball through the back three and looking to progress through either the midfield or via the high placed wing backs. But, he pace which the match would be played at was evident from the early stages as both sides lacked intent and the urgency which had characterised both opening games. Southgate went for the 5-3-2 but injected the pace of Jamie Vardy and the youthfulness of Marcus Rashford in place of Captain Kane and Raheem Sterling. The incoming players had their chance to force their way into the picture for the upcoming knockout fixtures but few impressed. Rashford was erratic and spurned a golden opportunity - although Gareth Southgate is saying all positions are open for the knockout games, few would bet money on Rashford, Vardy or any of the incoming party starting. Man City midfielder Fabian Delph played alongside Eric Dier in a midfield two - Jordan Henderson is preferred to Dier for his better mobility and eye for a pass and it is no wonder why that is the case; the Liverpool enforcer will certainly start in the sides Round of 16 clash. Wing backs Danny Rose and debutant Trent Alexander-Arnold came in for Young and Kieran Trippier; the latter will indubitably start in the next game after a string of impressive performances thus far, but Young’s less convincing performances may leave the left wing back berth open. Stones retained his place in the back three flanked by the shaky ‘calamity’ Phil Jones and Gary Cahill. Belgium changed their entire outfield 11 bar Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata at the heart of the back three. Thorgan Hazard, Adnan Januzaj and Youri Tielemans (who played in a more advanced role than usual) played behind Michy Batshuayi as Marouane Fellaini and Moussa Dembele sat in a midfield two.

The game itself was a turgid one - both sides not really wanting to win with the picture at the top of the group looking complicated. Former United starlet Adnan Januzaj struck after beating Danny Rose in the 51st minute and it would prove to be the decisive goal in the encounter. Belgium going top and England finishing second.

After Senegal’s exit England are left on the easier side of the draw, despite having to play the bright Colombian’s as opposed to Japan. Should they advance, they will play either Serbia or Switzerland and it would seem they would cruise to the semis; but that answer will come with time.

Former Sunderland man Wahbi Khazri scored once and assisted to give Tunisia a 2-1 win over struggler Panama - a bright result for the at times impressive side who will leave Russia. Also, in the tight Group H Colombia beat Senegal 1-0 to secure top of the group and knock the Africans out. Colombia look mightily impressive going into the knockout rounds but the potential exclusion of James Rodriguez could be an issue. Japan also lost to Poland after a Jan Bednarek header proved the difference. The Japanese rested every goal scorer so far at the tournament and their performance reflected it - they were lucky to progress, as only fair play gifted them a place in the Round of 16.

With 16 sides gone, the remaining 16 will look to impress as we get to the business end of the tournament; bring it on!