World Cup 2018 - as it happened: Senegal follow Germany out of the tournament as Japan and Colombia progress

All the latest World Cup news from day 15 in Russia

German football fans in tears as national team is knocked out the World Cup

The 2018 World Cup is in full flow in Russia.

Germany crashed out of the Would Cup on Wednesday afternoon with a stunning 2-0 defeat to South Korea, while Sweden thumped Mexico 3-0 to secure top spot in Group F. In the final round of Group E games, Brazil and Switzerland went through to the Round of 16.

But today the action moves on swiftly with England facing Belgium for the battle for top spot - or second as it may be, with it securing a more favourable route. They will also learn their Round of 16 opponents, with Colombia, Japan and Senegal all vying for two qualification places.

It's the last day of the Group Stages today so make sure you stay with us for all the goings on in Russia. Follow all the latest news below...

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Key Points

• It's day 15 in Russia with the climax of Groups G and H to look forward to
• First up, Senegal and Colombia meet in Samara at 3pm
• Japan take on Poland at the same time in Volgograd
• Then England face Belgium at 7pm for the right to top Group G
• Tunisia and Panama go for their first points in Saransk

[28 June 2018 11:24 · Nathan Jacobs]

But once Group H has reached its conclusion, the importance of Group G's final standings will be intensified. 

And while Roberto Martinez has guaranteed that he will be resting his main charges, you just never know. 

The conversion rate of these three key players is something to be marvelled at, but, there's the very real chance none of them will face England later this afternoon.

Their attacking threat, though, even with players dropped, is quite frightening with Michy Batshuayi and Adnan Januzaj waiting in the wings. 

Credit: Genting Bet.

[28 June 2018 11:38 · Nathan Jacobs]

Does anyone remember this clash? 

It's been 6 years since England last faced Belgium and the Three Lions came out on top that day, defeating the Red Devils 1-0 courtesy of a Danny Welbeck strike. 

Same result today, perhaps?

[28 June 2018 11:58 · Nathan Jacobs]

It's 3 hours before the first games of the day get underway with Group H reaching its climax. 

Follow the live action here with the Independent to see if Japan can navigate their way past a Poland team who's bags have already been packed. 

At least they don't have far to fly. 

[28 June 2018 12:10 · Nathan Jacobs]

Meanwhile, the other two sides in the group will be battling it out for their place in the last 16. 

Make sure to keep up to date with live action here between Colombia and Senegal: 

[28 June 2018 12:47 · Nathan Jacobs]

For all you Harry Kane lovers out there (I know there's a lot right now), here's another Spurs legend talking about England's main man.

Ahead of the game with Belgium, Ledley King believes bragging rights are up for grabs despite the tougher draw on paper courtesy of winning the group. 

It seems apparent that the Red Devils are going to rest some of their key players for this clash, but Southgate, Kane and co, their eyes are fully set on victory.

Watch the video to hear more about what King thinks of England's chances at this World Cup and how 'level-headed' Kane is the right man to lead them.  

Credit: Black Type Bet

[28 June 2018 12:53 · Nathan Jacobs]

In other news, Diego Maradona has declared that he is 'very much alive' after a health scare following Argentina's dramatic victory over Nigeria. 

La Albiceleste hero in 1986 was seen being helped away from the stadium in St Petersburg and made obscene gestures following Marcos Rojo's late winner. 

More on the story here: 

[28 June 2018 13:35 · Nathan Jacobs]

Back to England for now and the debate is going to continue to rage on and on until 7pm when they face Belgium to see who'll finish first. 

As of now, finishing second provides an easier route into the latter stages ON PAPER but it's football, and you just never know. 

And research has actually shown that beating Brazil is quite imperative to a successful World Cup campaign. 

Only on one occasion in a post-war World Cup has the side who knocked Brazil out of the tournament failed to make the final themselves – France in Mexico 1986.

Also, 42% of sides eliminating Brazil from the tournament go on to win the World Cup.

So, maybe England should concentrate on beating Belgium after all? 

Research Credit:  www.bonuscodebets.co.uk

[28 June 2018 13:50 · Nathan Jacobs]

Aha, but wait! There's more. 

There's research on the other side of the coin to show that finishing second would benefit England, too. 

If the Three Lions finish behind Belgium, the evidence shows that they will face a side with whom they have a better head-to-head record against as well as a lower Fifa ranking, on average. 

Combined with the average win rate for teams on both sides of the draw and it would appear that finishing second is best. 

You know what, I just don't know anymore! 

Tell us in the comments what you want to see from England this evening. 

Credit: Grosvenor Sport

 

[28 June 2018 14:06 · Nathan Jacobs]

TEAM NEWS: JAPAN V POLAND

[28 June 2018 14:07 · Nathan Jacobs]

TEAM NEWS: SENEGAL V COLOMBIA

Who's your money on to finish the group with a flourish, here?