England World Cup 2018 fair play table: Why yellow and red cards could decide which team tops Group G

After the first two rounds of group games England and Belgium are level on points, goal difference and goals scored, meaning Fifa's fair play rules could come into play

Fifa’s fair play rules could yet come to decide England’s final position in World Cup 2018 Group G – and whether or not Gareth Southgate’s side end up in the same half of the draw as Brazil and France.

After two group games apiece, England and Belgium are level on points, goal difference and goals scored.

England began their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Tunisia before thrashing Panama 6-1 in a record-breaking performance.

Belgium meanwhile beat Panama 3-0 in their opening fixture and yesterday overcame Tunisia 5-2 in an eye-catching display.

That means that both countries have six points, having scored eight goals and conceded two. And so if the sides draw next week they will finish the group stage with identical records.

In that case, Fifa uses fair play rules to determine the group winner.

The rules dictate that over the course of the three group games, sides lose one point per yellow card. Three points are lost for an indirect red (two yellow cards) and four for a direct red card. Meanwhile five points are lost for a yellow followed by a direct red.

England have currently received two yellow cards and no red cards after two games.

Belgium have received five yellow cards and no red cards – with Marouane Fellaini and Youri Tielemans picking up bookings in the first half of England vs Belgium in Kallinigrad.

Harry Kane celebrates with Jesse Lingard (EPA)

That means England currently top Group G by three Fifa fair play points.