By Paul Giblin
MOSCOW, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The draw for the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup will be completed after the final matches in Groups G and H on Thursday, with the pairings still to be decided.
Although England and Belgium are both assured of qualification from Group C ahead of their clash in Kaliningrad, the group winner is yet to be decided, with England currently topping the group on fair play points with one yellow card less than Belgium.
While there is little advantage in topping the group with regards to the possible opponent in the second round, it has been suggested that with a quarterfinal against Brazil or Germany perhaps in store for the group winner, it may be better to finish second.
However, coaches and players from both sides insist they will be looking for a win in order to maintain morale and momentum.
Both Gareth Southgate and Roberto Martinez will nevertheless make changes to their starting lineups in order to rest key players and ensure other squad members maintain match fitness and feel involved.
The possible quarterfinal rival will be clearer after Wednesday's games in Groups E and F.
The other match in Group G sees the already eliminated pair of Tunisia and Panama look to restore some pride after defeats in their opening two matches.
Group H is more evenly balanced, with three sides playing for two places, although Japan and Senegal, on four points each, have an advantage over Colombia, who only have three.
A point for group leaders Japan against a disappointing Poland side who have already been eliminated will be enough to make the Samurai Blue the only Asian representatives in the last 16, while a draw for Senegal would see them past a Colombia side who came to life in their last match with a 3-0 thrashing of Poland.
The South Americans need a win to go through, although they could qualify on goal difference with a draw if Japan lose against Poland by more than two goals.
The Group H matches are played before England and Belgium play their game later in the day, so the two sides who progress will have to wait to learn the identity of their next opponents, and whether they will play their second round ties in Moscow or Rostov-On-Don.
