England World Cup Group G permutations

To say things are tight at the top of Group G is an understatement as England and Belgium head into a match which could prove pivotal in their respective World Cup hopes.

Belgium followed up their 3-0 win over Panama with a 5-2 victory over Tunisia to sit top of the group on Saturday, leaving England with a big job to do against Panama to make up the ground in terms of goal difference.

But England blew away Panama with a stunning first-half performance, going 5-0 up within 45 minutes on Sunday afternoon.

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The two sides scored a goal apiece after the break to end up in a 6-1 England win, leaving the Three Lions level with Belgium in terms of points (six), goal difference (+6) as well as goals scored (eight).

If Thursday's match between England and Belgium ends in a draw, then whoever tops the group will come down to fair play, with the rules as follows:

• Minus one point for yellow card

• Minus three for indirect red

• Minus four for direct red

• Minus five for yellow and direct red

As it stands, England have two yellow cards and zero reds, while Belgium have three yellows and no reds.

No movement either way would currently see England progress top of the group.

If both teams end up on the same fair play standings after the final group game, lots would be drawn to decide who tops the group.