England changes justified despite Belgium defeat, insists Southgate

England manager Gareth Southgate defended his decision to leave Harry Kane on the bench among eight changes after losing 1-0 to Belgium to finish runners-up in World Cup Group G.

A brilliant strike by Adnan Januzaj six minutes into the second-half set up a last 16 clash with Japan for Belgium, who also made nine changes with qualification for the last 16 already assured for both sides.

England appear to face a toughter task in Group H winners Colombia on Tuesday, but have avoided a loaded top half of the draw containing past winners Brazil, France, Argentina and Uruguay as well as European champions Portugal, by finishing second in the group.

"If we put Harry on for 10 minutes and someone whacks him on the ankles that would be ridiculous," said Southgate when questioned why Kane, the tournament's top scorer with five goals wasn't even introduced from the bench.

"Everybody knows the most important game is the knockout round."
England haven't won a knockout game at a tournament since 2006 and Southgate insisted he had to seek every possible advantage ahead of what he described as the Three Lions' "biggest game for a decade."
"People will say 'it's only the right decision if we win' but it's the right decision because we'd be going into a match that could go into extra time and risking players we didn't need to risk."
"England will play Colombia and if you start thinking any further than that, I think you are risking a lot."