Toby Alderweireld says Belgium are aiming to win every game
Tuesday 26 June 2018 17:06, UK
Toby Alderweireld says Belgium are heading into their World Cup clash against England with a winning mentality.
The two sides face off in a Group G match on Thursday and the winners of the game will top the group. At present England are above Belgium due to the fair play rule.
They will take on either Japan, Senegal or Colombia from Group H in the next round
Speaking about the importance of the game, Alderweireld said: "First of all, the Belgium team wants to win every game, to do your best and play for your country.
"Second, we want to continue to have good momentum as well. Never have I in my career gone into a game thinking 'maybe today I'll play around 70 per cent' - it doesn't work like this.
"Even in friendly games - there are not friendly games any more. Everybody wants to win. England wants to win, we want to win, so it is going to be a good game."
Alderweireld's team-mate Thibaut Courtois echoed his comments by saying their pride is at stake against Gareth Southgate's side.
Both teams have qualified for the knockout stages after victories against Tunisia and Panama, but Alderweireld is aware of the danger England can create from set-pieces.
"We are wary of their corners. We know it is a big strength for them," the Tottenham defender added. "They scored in their opening games from that so it is up to us to do better and defend them.
"It is a real strength from them. I see young players who are really proud to play for England and I think you can see this on the pitch - they have a good idea on how they want to play.
"They have a very good manager as well. There is a good new vibe going on there."
