Roundtable: Which team should England pick? And should they aim for second?

But the waters have been muddied by the fact that the team which comes second in the group will likely face an easier route in the knockout stages – a scenario we have explored in more depth here.

Gareth Southgate is adamant he will not be instructing his players to do anything other than win the match, even if he does want to rotate his team a bit to keep fringe players match ready – but Roberto Martinez has freely admitted he is unconcerned by the possibility of failing to win, which could allow Belgium to avoid Brazil in the quarter-finals.

But which team should Southgate pick? A full-strength side to go for the win, or a second-string XI to rest some big names? And can England really contemplate trying to finish second in Group G? We asked our journalists for their thoughts on the big talking point around England’s final group game.

Forget Brazil. Win the game. This isn’t a moral argument – though deliberately tanking a World Cup match would be pretty low – it’s about the positive atmosphere and attitude around the squad. Would you really sacrifice that momentum for hubristically ignoring this game, and the game after, to secure a theoretically easier match-up in the game after that? That guarantees a last-16 comeuppance. So, four changes – Walker and Loftus-Cheek are on a booking so they drop out (assuming Dele Alli isn’t 100%), while Danny Rose should offer more defensive security at left-back. It would be lovely to give Raheem Sterling the chance to play himself into form, but World Cups are short and there’s no place for sentiment – time to let Jamie Vardy off the leash.

Alex’s England team: Pickford; Trippier, Cahill, Stones, Maguire, Rose; Dier, Henderson, Lingard; Vardy, Kane.

‘Lads, for many of you this will be your one shot of playing in the World Cup… try not to win, yeah?’ It obviously can’t happen. If Gareth Southgate thought missing a penalty at Euro 96 was bad, then he should see the reaction if England tank against Belgium and go on to lose in the last 16. But the prospect of avoiding Brazil in the quarters is worth a potentially-catastrophic gamble – and, fortunately for England, Belgium’s reserves are better than theirs. Southgate should follow Roberto Martinez’s hints and name a weakened side, giving everyone a run out and assessing the match at 80 minutes. If England are winning, so be it. But losing or drawing? Keep it that way – and if it’s the latter, encourage some feisty challenges (or dissent) to destroy their fair play rating.

Ben’s England team: Butland; Jones, Dier, Cahill; Alexander-Arnold, Loftus-Cheek, Delph, Rose; Rashford, Welbeck, Vardy.

England are, and have been for some time, mentally fragile. There appear to have been improvements under Gareth Southgate. However, England have momentum and the associated belief that comes with it, so why on earth would the Three Lions put that into jeopardy by selecting an understrength team? It also sends out the wrong message to duck a side of the draw. Just beat what is in front of you, and then well, you might win the World Cup.

Marcus’s England team: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Rose; Henderson; Loftus-Cheek, Alli; Sterling, Kane.

We can rule out the prospect of England deliberately trying to lose this match. That’s not how Southgate operates. And not how football works at this level. But England could play the percentages a bit without compromising their morals or, potentially, their momentum. The prize for the runners-up is real and could become even more valuable by 5pm if Japan come top of Group H and Colombia finish second. England’s shouldn’t emulate Belgium and play a totally second-string side, but there is surely some value in giving some fringe players a run-out. Southgate’s team should try and win the match, but if it’s 2-2 in injury time and a booking would mean that it’s Japan followed by Sweden or Switzerland for a place in the semis, then someone can make themselves a national hero with a well-timed shirt tug or trip from behind.

Tom's England team: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Alexander-Arnold, Rose; Dier, Delph, Lingard; Rashford, Kane.

Are we suffering from mass memory loss? England made six changes for their final group game at Euro 2016, drew 0-0 against Slovakia - in one of the most insipid international performances you’ll ever see - and lost out on top spot to Wales, who went on to reach the semi-final after the draw opened up. We all know what happened next to Roy Hodgson and England. The Three Lions seem much improved under Gareth Southgate but are yet to be truly tested. They are about to face arguably the most talented squad at the tournament, who will be a challenge whichever XI they deploy. A disciplined point or win is a necessity - topping the group gives England the best chance of progress as it will pitch them, by definition, against the team that is not as good as the other qualifier in Group H over their previous three matches. Yes, it may lead to an earlier meeting with one of the traditional ‘powerhouse’ nations but being too cute can have ugly consequences. Reputation means nothing at this World Cup - just ask a Sane-less Germany whose hubris led to heartbreak.

Kevin’s England team: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Young; Henderson; Lingard, Alli (if 100% fit); Sterling, Kane.

Gareth Southgate has said, “We’ve not won a knockout game since 2006. So why we are starting to plot which would be a better venue for our semi-final is beyond me really” – and he makes a good point. It’s difficult to contain your excitement as a fan and plenty of supporters are already eyeing up the ‘easier’ route to the final via second place in Group G. However, surely Southgate and his squad will want to keep the momentum high going into the knockout rounds. This is an inexperienced England squad and it’s their first real test in a competitive match. Although it will be a majority second-string Belgium side, the Red Devils’ expected XI comfortably has more caps than England’s usual starting XI. So why not try to go out there and try to win the match? Let’s keep the winning mentality going as it could prove vital in the latter stages.

Demi’s England team: Pickford; Cahill, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Loftus-Cheek, Dier, Henderson, Rose; Sterling, Kane

The Three Lions may have qualified from Group G, but the giddiness brought on by the 6-1 drubbing of Panama seems to have caused a wave of amnesia amongst the England faithful. The side’s performance in minutes 20 to 90 against Tunisia was classic England regardless of who’s wearing the waistcoat. The team showed great togetherness to snatch a dramatic late winner, and that’s what Gareth Southgate needs to endure: his team, his starting XI. Making vast changes is not the way to go. If it is indeed coming home, then the eleven need to play together as much as possible and be tested by one of the finest squads in the tournament. Beat Belgium, finish top and don’t be afraid of what lies ahead. Finishing second means defeat, and what kind of masochist wants that?

Pete’s England team: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Young; Henderson, Alli (if not fit Loftus-Cheek), Lingard, Sterling, Kane