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World Cup 2018: Belgium set to rest TEN players against England including Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne

Boss Roberto Martinez claims it would be 'unprofessional' and a 'real gamble' to start his three players who are on a booking - and says every player in his squad deserves a chance

ROBERTO MARTINEZ has revealed he could rest all TEN of his outfield players against England.

The Belgium boss will make sweeping changes for the Group G decider with an eye on next week's last-16 clash.

Main men Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lulaku are unlikely to play for Belgium against England, with both teams already through to the KO phase
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Main men Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lulaku are unlikely to play for Belgium against England, with both teams already through to the KO phaseCredit: EPA

Martinez insists it would be "very risky" and "unprofessional" to start his three players who are one game away from suspension - Kevin De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Meunier.

And the Spaniard is almost certain to also rest four-goal striker Romelu Lukaku, who is recovering from an ankle knock.

Asked if he could change ten players, Martinez said: "It could be a possibility to do that, yes.

"I think everyone deserves to play in the World Cup.

Jesse Lingard scores incredible long range goal for England against Panama at World Cup 2018
Belgium have hit eight goals in their two games with Kevin De Bruyne supplying from midfield and four-goal Romelu Lukaku firing in attack
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Belgium have hit eight goals in their two group games so far with Kevin De Bruyne supplying from midfield and four-goal Romelu Lukaku firing in attackCredit: AP:Associated Press

"So it’s more important for me to be able to give that opportunity and see how they can react on the pitch and how much they can contribute.

"We are going look after the situation with the suspensions and look after the situation of the individual physical condition.

"I think it would be very risky and a real gamble to play any of the players who are on a yellow card against England, because you don’t want to have any player missing for the knockout stage."

Jan Vertonghen and Roberto Martinez admits Belgium have their work cut out trying to stop Spurs team-mate and 'best striker in the world' Harry Kane on Thursday
Roberto Martinez thinks it would be a huge gamble to play too many stars against England
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Roberto Martinez says it would be a big gamble to play too many stars vs EnglandCredit: Reuters

Group leaders England might need only a draw to finish on top.

Fellow qualifiers Belgium are level with them on points, goal difference and goals scored.

But the Three Lions are better placed in the fair play table as so far they have picked up one less yellow card.

England fans in wild celebrations as they score six goals against Panama at World Cup 2018
Michy Batshuayi, right, and midfielder Marouane Fellaini are hoping to start against England
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Michy Batshuayi, right, and midfielder Marouane Fellaini are hoping to start for Roberto Martinez's men against EnglandCredit: AFP or licensors
Belgium are poised to rest up to ten regulars for their group finale with the Three Lions
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Belgium could rest up to ten regulars for their group finale with the Three LionsCredit: AFP or licensors

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Harry Kane has bagged five goals in two games and is likely to be taking on a much-weakened Belgium team
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England skipper Harry Kane has bagged five goals in two games and is likely to be taking on a much-weakened Belgium teamCredit: AP:Associated Press
Belgium fans celebrate like they have won the World Cup after Tunisia thrashing
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