‘Martinez needs third place'

BeSoccer 7 years ago 1k
The two managers will square off again. AFP

According to Sky Sports pundits, a third place finish at the World Cup will mean more to Roberto Martinez than Gareth Southgate.

There is little appetite in England to play another game following their semi-final loss, but the analysts are sure it could be an important game for Roberto Martinez and the Belgium side. 

Matt Dickinson, of 'the Times', has agreed with Gary Neville's sentiments that the game will feel like a testimonial. 

There will be two different approaches - Roberto Martinez needs to win that game," he told the 'World Cup Supplement'.

"I think he needs to come third. He feels this is a moment for him. He came in with a really talented squad and they lost a semi-final. I think he'll be able to prove something if he can say 'we're third in the world'.

"For England, it's a nice opportunity for the likes of Trent Alexander Arnold and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

"The whole thing will feel flat. I feel flat about it. But this is another test of Gareth Southgate's man-management to get in their heads. They've earned a lot of respect and they'll need to bow out with that respect."

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