World Cup 2018: England fans flock to Russia for group decider against Belgium
Some fans argue it would be better to finish second in the group to avoid the side of the draw with Brazil, France and Argentina.
Thursday 28 June 2018 10:03, UK
England have been urged to keep their World Cup momentum going as millions of fans prepare to watch their group decider against Belgium.
Supporters are expected to turn out in greater numbers for the game in the Russian city of Kaliningrad following impressive wins over Tunisia and Panama.
More than 2,600 tickets have been sold through the Football Association alone after the turnout for the opening game was believed to be England's lowest at a World Cup for 30 years.
England fan Will Tomlinson, 34, who has travelled to Russia, said he hoped for an English influx as the team progressed through the tournament.
"We've got loads of friends who were umming and ahhing whether to come," he said.
"We want to see every England fan coming over, especially now we are playing well."
Homes, pubs and big screen areas across England are expected to be packed on Thursday evening, while Downing Street has confirmed it will fly a St George's flag during the match.
Prime Minister Theresa May will be in Brussels for a European Union summit at the same time as the game, but a senior UK official said she would be made aware of the score "if needs be".
Belgium, managed by Roberto Martinez, and England are expected to rest players as they are both already through to the last 16.
Some fans have argued it would be better to finish second in the group to avoid the same side of the draw as Brazil, France, Argentina, Portugal and Uruguay.
But Sir Clive Woodward, who coached England's rugby union team to World Cup victory, urged Gareth Southgate's side to play for the win.
"World Cups are all about momentum," he said.
"England must prepare and approach this game versus Belgium as if it was a knock out match - top the group and then and only then think about your next opponent.
"This is such an important game to keep momentum going."
Speaking before the game, manager Southgate said he wanted to "breed a mentality that everybody in our squad wants to constantly win".
"We've not won a knockout game since 2006," he said.
"Why we are starting to plot which would be a better venue for our semi-final is beyond me, really."
If England and Belgium draw the match, the group winners will be decided by their fair play record - with the Three Lions currently on one fewer yellow card.
"If I go and headbutt Roberto in the last five minutes, then you'll know that maybe we're taking a different approach to getting through," Southgate joked.
"We want to win the game. That would mean we top the group and we would go into whatever game we go into moving forward."
England play Belgium at Kaliningrad Stadium at 7pm UK time.