LONGFORD’S Jesse Lingard admits he is “thriving” within England’s system as they prepare for their final World Cup group game tonight, Thursday.

After scoring in the Three Lions’ 6-1 win over Panama on Sunday, the 25-year-old looks set to keep his place in the team for tonight’s showdown with Belgium in Kaliningrad, kick off 7pm UK time.

A win would see England top Group G and former William Beamont High School pupil Lingard – the first Warrington-born player to both appear and score at a World Cup since Roger Hunt in 1966 – says the confidence is flowing.

He also says playing in his preferred advanced midfield position is helping him show his capabilities in Russia.

“The system we are playing at the minute is one I thrive in,” he told the BBC.

“I was thrilled with how I played (against Panama). The role I have is one that suits me and it’s great to have the type of players we have around me.

“We have a great team spirit at the moment. With the kind of squad that we’ve got, and with the confidence we have flowing through it at the moment, I don’t see why we can’t go far.

“There is a good vibe around the dressing room at the moment with a lot of positivity.

“We’re taking it game by game at the moment. We’re still learning and we’ll take what we’ve learnt into the Belgium game.”

Manchester United’s Lingard was one of England’s top performers in Nizhny Novgorod on Sunday as they swept to their biggest ever World Cup winning margin to qualify for the knockout stages with a game to spare.

The former Penketh United junior capped his performance with the game’s outstanding goal – playing a one-two with Raheem Sterling before curling an exquisite effort into the top corner.

The goal was Lingard’s second at international level and first in a competitive England match having opened his account in a friendly win over Holland in March.

Lingard admits scoring on the biggest stage of all was “an amazing feeling” as he added to a hat-trick from captain Harry Kane and a brace from John Stones.

“It’s an amazing feeling, but it’s even better knowing that we won,” he said.

“We’re top of the group and we can go into the Belgium game with a lot of confidence.”

Depending on the result of tonight’s game, England will play their last-16 tie on either Monday or Tuesday evening, with Colombia, Senegal and Japan the potential opponents for Gareth Southgate’s side.