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Adnan Januzaj's wonder strike settled the match between England and Belgium. Both sides made mass rotation to their starting lineups in order to preserve their key players for the knockout stages. It was Belgium who prevailed 1-0 on the night and ultimately emerged as the winners of Group G.
England went with a conservative approach in this game and played three midfielders to have an upper hand against their opponents.
This led to a lack of service and creativity in the final third as England failed to muster a high number of changes. Belgium on the other hand looked far more convincing going forward, and were the better team on the night.
Belgium will now face Japan in the World Cup pre-quarters whereas England have set up a tie against a tricky Colombia on the back of this 1-0 result. On that note, let us take a look at the best and worst players from the match.
#5 Best - Marouane Fellaini (Belgium)
Despite currently being embroiled in a contractual standoff with Manchester United, Marouane Fellaini proved his worth to Belgium and his club with a solid outing against the Three Lions. Belgium's rotation gave Fellaini a chance to impress and he grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
Playing as a second striker behind Michy Batshuayi, Fellaini troubled the English back-line aerially and was also impressive with his link-up play. He showed a great desire on and off the ball and was one of Belgium's most influential player on the night.
Fellaini won 6 aerial duels on the night. He also made one off the line clearance and one crucial block in the penalty box. The midfielder also had a hand in 2 key passes and was literally all over the field.
Fellaini even completed a Russian roulette in the first half, making a mockery of Fabian Delph and shocking the entire Manchester United fan-base in the process.
#4 Worst - Danny Rose (England)
Coming to the World Cup on the back of an injury-riddled season, this was Danny Rose's chance to earn back his spot in the side. Ashley Young has been England's first choice left back in Russia with Rose being his deputy. This was the Spurs man's big chance to impress.
He started decently but did not offer much going forward. Having a left-footed player in that position gave England balance, but Rose soon lost that advantage for his role in Belgium's winner. He lost possession in a dangerous position and then was shimmied by Januzaj before netting a delightful curler.
Rose could have done better defensively to stop Januzaj. He failed to keep the Belgium match winner under wraps who in all honesty, should not have been a problem for a fully match fit Danny Rose. This display proved that the left-back is not ready yet to be England's first choice left back.
#3 Best - Adnan Januzaj (England)
After a breakthrough season at Manchester United aged 19, Adnan Januzaj failed to reach the expected heights and was soon shipped off to Sunderland on loan.
A move to Sunderland did not work out and the attacking midfielder then moved to Real Sociedad where he found his feet and a way to get into The Red Devils' World Cup squad.
Against England, Januzaj gave a timely reminder of his talents with a piece of brilliance, and silenced his critics once and for all. He literally toyed with Danny Rose before curling one into the back of the net. This was Januzaj's first goal for Belgium and boy it was special!
With his match-winning performance, Januzaj will now hope for cameos at least for his side in the knockout phase.
#2 Worst - Jordan Pickford (England)
The Everton goalkeeper did not have much to do in the first two games, but Pickford surely had his hands full against Belgium. He was called into action in the third minute itself, needing to palm Youri Tielemans' swerving shot away from danger.
But Pickford then spilled one chance which had to be cleared off the line by Gary Cahill. He didn't look confident yesterday, neither in safeguarding his area nor in his distribution. Pickford could have also done better for Januzaj's effort that went in.
The timing of the jump from Pickford seemed to be all wrong, whereas using the other hand could have helped in stopping that effort. England cannot afford such displays from its number 1 goalkeeper going into the business end of the competition.
#1 Best - Youri Tielemans (Belgium)
Fielding the AS Monaco midfielder was a brilliant decision taken by Roberto Martinez. Tielemans and Mousa Dembele helped Belgium to dominate the centre of the park and in turn, dominate the entire game. It was Tielemans who provided the assist to Adnan Januzaj.
Apart from that, the Monaco youngster was brilliant with the ball at his feet and notched up some convincing attacking stats. He also tested Jordan Pickford with a stinging shot as early as in the third minute.
Tielemans had a 86 percent passing accuracy on the night, along with making 2 key passes and winning 4 tackles. The only blemish on his performance was an untimely tackle on Danny Rose which got him a deserved booking.
