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Belgium's Roberto Martinez says facing England at World Cup is exciting

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Belgium manager Roberto Martinez says England are favourites to win their World Cup group.

Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez says he is excited about facing England at the 2018 World Cup.

England were drawn with Belgium, Tunisia and Panama in Group G of the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia.

Martinez told Sky Sports News: "I spent 21 years in the British game. It's an open book for both teams.

"There are no secrets for us or for England. 95% of our squad plays in the Premier League."

Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium
Image: England's team will have to contain Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne in their final group match

Martinez says the draw will put the focus on his players who are playing in England.

"The chemistry that it will bring to the Premier League, there's a really good generation of English and Belgian talented footballers with great ability.

"To see a World Cup game of that nature on the biggest stage in world football is a fascinating opportunity."

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England manager Gareth Southgate says Belgium are favourites to win their World Cup group after the draw was made in Russia

When told that England manager Gareth Southgate said Belgium are favourites to win the group, the former Everton and Wigan manager said: "We see England as favourites.

"I really admire Gareth as a footballing gentleman. Our game against England will be a good measurement for both nations.

"I've got a big problem at home because my daughter is English so I need to make sure that she knows which team to support!

"The World Cup is not about who are favourites, it's about the preparation and that starts now.

"It's a challenging group for both nations, probably the hardest one in terms of the travelling and logistics."

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Here is a video tour of the 12 cities and stadia hosting the 2018 World Cup across the expanse of Russia

Martinez was also excited about the two other teams Belgium will face in Group G.

"It's a really good draw to be playing teams like Panama and Tunisia. They will bring an incredibly different approach than any other nation.

"With the way Panama qualified by beating the United States it will be something we have to manage. Tunisia are a very strong team with the way they qualified.

"It would be stupid of us to set targets. We want to look forward and enjoy the quality of this generation of Belgian footballers and take it step by step at the World Cup."

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