How the rival managers compare as England and Belgium do battle for top spot

Gareth Southgate and Roberto Martinez will be calling the shots when England meet Belgium at the World Cup on Thursday.

Here, Press Association Sport looks at how the two managers shape up ahead of their Kaliningrad meeting, which will decide who progresses as Group G winners.

Popularity

Management style

Tactics

Southgate has shown tactical flexibility since becoming England manager. The four-man defence favoured at youth levels has been ditched for a three-man unit and wing-backs capable of delivering dangerous crosses. No-one predicted Kyle Walker’s switch into central defence, but Southgate wants his best players on the pitch. Movement around the main striker is key, as is a genuine set-piece threat. Belgium also line up with three in defence and ask wing-backs Thomas Meunier and Yannick Carrasco – a converted winger – to provide the width. Kevin de Bruyne’s deeper role in midfield allows him to find Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens with hurtful passes, while lone striker Romelu Lukaku can feed off both shorter and longer balls.

Players