World Cup 2018: Personal pride at stake for Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois ahead of crucial England clash
THIBAUT COURTOIS says personal pride is at stake against England as he does not want to return to Chelsea as a LOSER.
Belgium’s clash with Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions on Thursday will decide who tops Group G, with both sides having already qualified for the last 16.
Courtois does not care if the Red Devils finish first or second — even though the World Cup draw looks like it could be more favourable for the runners-up.
However, the Chelsea keeper knows bragging rights are on the line in Kaliningrad this week as he prepares to meet his Prem team-mates Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Gary Cahill. Courtois, 26, said: “I don’t think it matters if you finish second or first.
“But if you want to have that winning feeling, it’s best to keep on winning.
“And for me there is pride at stake. I don’t want to go back to England in July with a losing feeling.
“I want to win. I think everyone feels that way.
“It will be different because it doesn’t really matter if we win or lose because we are through, so in that way there might be less nerves for everyone.
“It’s about prestige because they have a lot of guys we know and we have a lot of guys they know.”
Courtois’ Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard, 27, added: “We want to win our group.
“Not only for ourselves but also to make a statement to our next opponents — we are Belgium, we are the group winners and we have beaten England.”
Hazard, though, could well be rested for the match with manager Roberto Martinez confirming he will make “major changes”.
The Belgium captain suffered a calf problem and Romelu Lukaku got an ankle knock in Saturday’s 5-2 thrashing of Tunisia.
However, both players insist they should be fit but Martinez is likely to give them a breather, with Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi in line to start.
Martinez also has a decision to make over Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier and Kevin De Bruyne, who are all one booking away from a suspension.
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If Belgium win the group, they will face the Group H runners-up in the last 16 but could then meet Brazil in the quarter-finals.
But they have a potential last-eight tie with Group F leaders Mexico if they come second.
However, if Belgium come second all of their knock-out games will be in their base city of Moscow — apart from the quarter-final.
Midfielder Marouane Fellaini, 30, said: “England have a good team, we know the quality of their players, so it will be a good test.
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“But everyone knows we have quality players and slowly we are starting to be a team. We fight together and the spirit is there.”
Belgium are now being touted as one of the favourites to win the World Cup after two good wins.
But Tottenham defender Toby Alderweireld, 29, said: “It’s going to be difficult against England. They have improved a lot in the last couple of years and have a very talented squad.”
And Spurs’ Jan Vertonghen added: “I know a lot of the players. My Tottenham team-mates are my friends so it’s going to be very funny.”