England coach Gareth Southgate has defended resting Tottenham striker Harry Kane for their World Cup defeat to Belgium.

Southgate rung the changes for England's final Group G match safe in the knowledge his side were already through to the round of 16.

"This was a game we wanted to win but the knockout game is the biggest game for a decade so needed to make sure our key players were reserved," said Southgate.

"The players tonight gave everything. We have seen the level everyone has been playing at, we need to keep improving.

"We kept pressing until the end. I think the supporters understand what the most important thing is."