Blessed with an abundance of talent, this so-called golden generation of Belgium soccer was relentless in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, putting 43 goals past its rivals while dropping just two of the 30 points that were available.

With its two one-sided victories, Belgium has all but clinched a spot in the round of 16, where tougher tests are sure to await. First comes Belgium’s third game of group play — against England on Thursday in Kaliningrad — and then, presumably, the knockout campaign, a phase of World Cup play that has long been a graveyard for talented Belgian teams in the past.

That unhappy group includes the 2016 Belgian squad that was tagged as a potential winner of the European Championship but was eliminated by a rank outsider, Wales, in the quarterfinals.

Germany demonstrated in the 2014 World Cup that it takes a full roster, and not just a handful of world-class players, to secure a championship. Germany’s coach, Joachim Löw, made changes to his lineup throughout that tournament without it affecting his team’s march to the title.

Perhaps more out of necessity than design, Belgium will now have to demonstrate it possesses the same ability to use its depth, starting with the game against England. Martínez announced after Saturday’s game that there would be “major changes” for that match, with both Hazard and Lukaku perhaps being rested, having both picked up minor injuries.

Both Belgium and England will be assured of advancing if England beats Panama on Sunday, which would make the game on Thursday the one that will decide the group winner.

Because finishing first in the group may not necessarily provide an easier path through the rest of the tournament, Thursday’s game could have a subdued dynamic if both teams are already assured of advancing. Still, Martínez maintained that Belgium, no matter what, would play to win that game, even if key players do sit out.