1. In acknowledging the comedown from the intensity of their semifinal matches, Gary Neville described the third place game between Belgium and England as having the feel of a “testimonial."
  2. The Netherlands beat Brazil 3-0 in the third place match in the 2014 World Cup.
  3. With dreams of winning the World Cup gone, the most controversial debate surrounding the England side since their semifinals loss is what the “it” in their “it’s coming home” mantra actually refers to. The literal interpretation is the World Cup trophy itself. Although one could also interpret the “it” as a symbolic rally point, and that it doesn’t necessarily refer to the trophy, but instead the pride and emotion of supporting the national side. From that perspective, and judging by the response to Gareth Southgate’s humble, young side before and throughout the tournament, “it” has already come home regardless of this third place match result.
  4. Southgate is already looking ahead to the 2020 Euros, saying that the experience his young core gained in Russia will see them through during their window together.
  5. Thus, Phil Jones, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Eric Dier and Danny Rose get the start. With an average age of 25 years and 174 days, this is the youngest starting XI in England’s World Cup history.
  6. Taking third place in the World Cup matters more to Roberto Martinez and Belgium than it does to England as it is a perfectly reasonable result for their Golden Generation.
  7. Despite the lax environment, there is a Golden Boot battle between Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku, with Kane at six goals and Lukaku at four goals heading into the match. Martinez interjects that numbers aren’t a fair assessment of Lukaku’s impact since the striker has sacrificed personal achievement for the sake of the team. He points out that the dummy that resulted in the match winning goal against Japan is an example that any other striker would have taken themselves.
  8. Meanwhile, there is one eye towards the transfer window with Martinez praising Eden Hazard’s winning mentality ahead of rumors of a potential move to Real Madrid.
  9. The biggest objective for both sides is to escape the match with no injuries.
  10. Kevin de Bruyne defending Manchester City teammate Raheem Sterling from English media’s criticism of his World Cup performance shows the connection between the two countries at the club level and displays the international makeup at City, United, Tottenham and Chelsea.
  11. Sterling has no goals and one assist in the tournament. Yet there must be some value in his ability to shift opposition defenses by picking up the ball in between the lines and dribbling at pace.
  12. Belgium’s first goal once again showcases Lukaku’s hold up play and playmaking. Chadli and Meunier display how aggressive a wingback can play when given space.
  13. Wingback was considered a weakness for Belgium heading into the tournament, but Meunier has locked down the spot with his solidity on the defensive end. And Chadli, with his match winning goal against Japan, has turned into a trusted utility player under Martinez.
  14. England’s corner kick routine, consisting of players lining up behind each other before taking on their runs, has caused problems for opponents trying to get between each player in the buildup.
  15. Outside of becoming a meme, Harry Maguire is one of England’s breakout players during the tournament.
  16. To continue that thought, if the lineups for this third place match is about cementing roles that were previously in question before the tournament, Jordan Pickford has firmly grasped the starting keeper role with his performances throughout.
  17. Even if this is England’s second team, there is a clarity and sense of purpose from each player despite their inexperience or youth. That assuredness is another byproduct of the Premier League managerial talent.
  18. In continuing the connection at club level, Toby Alderweireld clearing Dier’s shot off the line is a moment brought to you by Tottenham.
  19. Hazard’s goal displayed the preseason feel of the match with de Bruyne given too much space right up the middle. But Jones was completely out of position with his backline.
  20. England somehow finished the match with 57% possession. And outside of a Griezmann or Mbappe hat trick in the finals, Kane gets his Golden Boot.
  21. Third place is Belgium’s highest ever finish in a World Cup.
  22. In his post match analysis, Martinez said that Belgium “wanted to work as a team” instead of relying on individual moments of brilliance. In gaining contributions from role players like Chadli, Meunier, Marouane Fellaini and Youri Tielemans in addition to their world class attacking talent, Martinez tactically diversified how Belgium attack and defend lesser and equal opponents alike.
  23. Lukaku’s United and Maguire’s Leicester City kick off the Premier League season in less than a month.