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ERIC DIER is set to start England's clash against Belgium with Jordan Henderson expected to get a rest.

Tottenham ace Dier watched Germany crash out this afternoon with Gareth Southgate as the pair prepared for media duties and he will be hoping to get involved in the tournament even more now after seeing the champions lose to South Korea.

Dier and Southgate watch Germany crash out against South Korea
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Dier and Southgate watch Germany crash out against South KoreaCredit: Rex Features
Eric Dier needs game time and the Belgium clash provides a perfect opportunity
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 Eric Dier needs game time and the Belgium clash provides a perfect opportunityCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun
England are likely to mix things up to keep themselves fresh for the knockout rounds
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England are likely to mix things up to keep themselves fresh for the knockout roundsCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun

And he will likely get a chance to make his case for more involvement on Thursday, with both managers expected to field weakened teams.

Gary Cahill, Phil Jones, Danny Welbeck and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also in need of game time after failing to play a minute in England's openers.

Southgate and Dier had no need to take notes on Germany as they watched them this afternoon
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Southgate and Dier had no need to take notes on Germany as they watched them this afternoonCredit: Rex Features
England train at their base in Repino ahead of their World Cup game against Belgium

Dier, meanwhile, was an injury-time sub in the 2-1 win over Tunisia.

Three Lions chief Southgate has remained tight-lipped on his plans for top scorer Harry Kane.

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Gareth Southgate can relax after safely booking a spot in the last-16
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Gareth Southgate can relax after safely booking a spot in the last-16Credit: Richard Pelham - The Sun
England's Phil Jones hopes to impress in World Cup game against Belgium
England are a tight-knit group and have played with freedom so far
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England are a tight-knit group and have played with freedom so farCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun
The Three Lions have been urged to keep up the intensity against Belgium
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The Three Lions have been urged to keep up the intensity against BelgiumCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun

But the Spurs hitman should see game time as he looks to add to his five strikes.

Asked about his talisman, the England chief said: “As a manager you have to think of the whole squad and then your second thought is for individuals and their own situations, and that is a really complex balance in any business where you are managing people. But I am sure we can get that right.

“His scoring record of goals per game is outstanding. He has shown his value to us already both before the tournament and now during the tournament.

England can top the group with a draw as long as they pick up fewer yellow cards than Belgium and do not have a man sent off
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England can top the group with a draw as long as they pick up fewer yellow cards than Belgium and do not have a man sent offCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun
The mood appears high in the England camp ahead of the clash
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The mood appears high in the England camp ahead of the clashCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun

“I know he is incredibly proud already. He is only behind Gary Lineker [10] in terms of World Cup goals for England and that is a wonderful personal achievement for him.

"Equally, he is the captain and he knows he will be judged on how far we go as a team. He wants to contribute to a winning team and he knows it is not as satisfying if you are a player scoring goals and the team does not win.”

England may want to tighten up their wall in time for the match
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England may want to tighten up their wall in time for the matchCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun
England and Belgium clash at 7pm on Thursday
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England and Belgium clash at 7pm on ThursdayCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun
Eric Dier has seen Jordan Henderson perform well in midfield
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Eric Dier has seen Jordan Henderson perform well in midfieldCredit: Richard Pelham - The Sun

Robeto Martinez has suggested he could rest his ENTIRE team minus goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

But Kevin De Bruyne, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Meunier are near certain to be kept out after picking up yellow cards.

While Romelu Lukaku - who is a goal behind Kane in the Golden Boot race - has a minor ankle injury which could open the door for Muchy Batshuayi.

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