Valley Viewpoint

England and Belgium had already met previously in the group stage, however, the situation of the two games were very different. While the group game only affected who finished first and second in the group, whoever finished second would have an 'easier' route to the final. Belgium have had to face the likes of Brazil and France, as well as Japan, who were agonisingly close to producing a shock result against the red devils. Meanwhile, England faced Colombia, Sweden and Croatia. All good teams that shouldn't be underestimated or belittled but aren't quite the same level as powerhouses Brazil and France. Both teams fielded 'B teams' in the group stage, teams with mass rotation and reserve players. The third-place play-off, while it isn't where either team would have wanted to have been this weekend, both nations would have been eager to win. A win which would see Belgium finish in their highest ever World Cup position, having previously finished fourth in 1986...

Both England and Croatia, two evenly matched teams in terms of playing ability and players would have come into the game already having potentially over-achieved. However, one of these nations was to find themselves in the World Cup final. A feat England have only managed once and that was 52 years ago. And we all know what happened then! Also England's first semi-final in 28 years and only their third ever. On the other hand, Croatia have only been their own independent country since 1991, breaking away from a collapsing Yugoslavia. Third being the furthest they have been in the World Cup, in France 1998. The draw to the final has been rather fortunate and generous for both countries. Croatia having to face Denmark, Russia and now England. While England have had to face Colombia, Sweden and now Croatia. While all of these nations are still good teams and provide their own threats, the other side of the draw was much harsher and less forgiving, with teams of a much higher calibre t...

After breaking their penalty shoot-out hoodoo against Colombia  and winning their first World Cup knock-out round game in 12 years , England faced Sweden, a very good physical, defensive unit that would be hard to break down, while still being good technically and able to cause problems to the England defence. Sweden may have come into the World Cup not expecting to leave the group stage as Germany and Mexico would have been the firm favourites. However, with holders Germany suffering from the 'champions' curse', Sweden found themselves through to the knockout rounds for the first time since 2006, after defying the odds and finishing their group in pole position; Beating Mexico and South Korea and narrowly losing to Germany. Proving they aren't a team to be underestimated. They then went on to beat Switzerland in the round of 16, which was not an easy task. The Swiss hadn't been beaten in 2018 and had played the likes of Brazil in the group stages and Spain in a Wo...

After meeting expectations and getting out of a group they were expected to, England now face Colombia. England finished second in their group, but it may benefit them doing so. The Three Lions will face Colombia and if they get through, Sweden after the Swedes beat Switzerland in the early kick-off. Meanwhile, Belgium have faced Japan, will now face Brazil and will face either France or Uruguay should they manage to beat Brazil. Colombia will be a rough, physical test but are still technically very good, perhaps one of the dark horses of the World Cup and a team that shouldn't be underestimated, especially following their 2014 World Cup Campaign in which they reached the quarter-finals and lost out to hosts Brazil. Colombia have a strong defence, midfield and attack. Barcelona youngster, Yerry Mina, and established Tottenham centre-back, Davinson S á nchez solidify the defence, while defensive midfielder Carlos S á nchez protects the back line. Colombia also have an array of attac...

Like England and Tunisia, Belgium also qualified for the World Cup unbeaten, winning 9 and drawing 1; Earning 28 points out of a possible 30. Group H included Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina as the main threats, but also Estonia, Cyprus and Gibraltar. Belgium certainly didn't struggle for goals, with Romelu Lukaku scoring 11, Eden Hazard had 6, while Thomas Meunier and Dries Mertens chipped in with 5 each. The Red Devils also humiliated Estonia 8-1 and Gibraltar 9-0 in the process. Both England and Belgium came into this final World Cup group stage game already through to the knock-out rounds. After beating Panama 3-0 and Tunisia 5-2, Belgium found themselves level on points (6) with the same amount of goals scored (8) and conceded (2) as England. The only thing being decided in this match was the final group positions and who will face who in the next round. Although, finishing second may be the preferred route. Due to other group standings, Brazil, France, Uruguay, Portugal and...

Panama found themselves in an extremely hard and competitive qualifying group. Facing the likes of experienced World Cup mainstays; Mexico, USA and Honduras. As well as Costa Rica, who had a great World Cup campaign at Brazil 2014. While Trinidad and Tobago could also prove to be a difficult opponent. Panama finished the group in third, just pipping the USA by a single point and beating Honduras on goal difference to send them on their way to their first ever World Cup. Notable results included impressive draws with Mexico (0-0) and USA (1-1), showing that Panama have it in them to cause an upset to big teams. Panama's final match was against Costa Rica, where Ro mán Torres' lastminute header gave them a 2-1 lead and ultimately sent Panama to their first ever World Cup, achieving national hero status in the process.  Panama will prove to be a tough test for England if the Three Lions aren't careful.  Panama are a physical side who aren't afraid of a challenge.  Hernán...

England come into the World Cup after an unbeaten qualifying campaign, with 8 wins and 2 draws. While their recent qualifying groups have never been particularly hard, there were a few potential teams that could have caused a shock. Rivals Scotland almost caused an upset in a 2-2 draw at Hampden Park as 3 of the 4 goals came in the final few minutes. Similarly, with Slovenia and Slovakia, England left it late to seal the 3 points. One major concern amongst most England supporters going into the World Cup is England's ability to beat teams that will look to defend deep and whether we have the creativity to break these sides down. In qualifying and previous tournaments, the Three Lions have struggled to do so, with the epitome of the issue being the embarrassing 2-1 loss to Iceland at the 2016 Euros. England haven't lived up to expectations for the last few major tournaments which has led to a negativity surrounding the national team. Tunisia also topped a tight group that incl...