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The five players we want to see Gareth Southgate give a chance to against Belgium

We’ve been here before: England and Belgium’s second string are likely to meet again
We’ve been here before: England and Belgium’s second string are likely to meet again

As much as we’ll hear over the next few days that the third place play-off isn’t an unwanted waste of everyone’s time, England need to try and make sure that is actually the case.

While finishing third and not fourth would be an extra feather in the cap, there’s no getting away from the fact both sets of players would rather be back at home or catching some sun on a beach somewhere with the Premier League season fast approaching.

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So while Gareth Southgate and his side will say all the right things in the build up the Belgium game, few people would argue flogging the starting XI we have come to enjoy watching would be a good move.

So here’s five changes Yahoo Sport hopes England will make on Saturday.

Picture perfect: Butland should get his chance to challenge Jordan Pickford
Picture perfect: Butland should get his chance to challenge Jordan Pickford

Jack Butland

Jordan Pickford has been outstanding in every game and is certainly in England’s top three players of the tournament.

But Butland deserves to get a go. If it was a close call between them at the start, he’s earned the right to walk out once – especially after Pickford played against Belgium when he didn’t have to in the third match.

Smiles better: Chelsea’s Gary Cahill needs to play this weekend
Smiles better: Chelsea’s Gary Cahill needs to play this weekend

Gary Cahill

England’s fourth choice centre-back didn’t let anyone down in the one game he did play. With Kyle Walker carrying an injury and unconvincing, he should get play.

More likely to be involved than Phil Jones, but still unsure over his international future.

Another chance: Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold should play on Saturday
Another chance: Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold should play on Saturday

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Will be slightly gutted by Kieran Trippier’s incredible World Cup. Even a good showing against Belgium didn’t get him close to another start.

Now the right-back is injured he should play and certainly has a bright future.

Back in: Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be set for a recall
Back in: Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be set for a recall

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

One of the players you wonder about for two years down the line. Can he really push on and become a serious force at the Euros?

Young, hungry and good on the ball. This surely will be his chance to give us an extra reason to hope the future is bright.

Heartbroken: Marcus Rashford was distraught after the loss to Croatia
Heartbroken: Marcus Rashford was distraught after the loss to Croatia

Marcus Rashford

One big bonus for England would be if Marcus Rashford could score his first World Cup goal this weekend.

With Harry Kane chasing the Golden Boot, there’s every chance he will start so Raheem Sterling could be the one to make way.