Lukaku, De Bruyne and Hazard named in Belgium World Cup squad
Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez has announced the final squad for the Fifa World Cup, and it includes Inter Milan’s striker Romelu Lukaku.
Real Madrid attacker Eden Hazard and De Bruyne headline the star-studded team that has been dubbed the ‘Golden Generation’.
Led by captain Hazard, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is likely to be the ‘Golden Generations’ last chance to win a major trophy before some of them retire from international football.
Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne will play a starring role for Belgium in the World Cup just he does for his club.
If they are to make it further in the tournament he is going to be one of the important players to make that happen.
It is not surprising to see Lukaku in the team, but it begs a question about his readiness in terms of match fitness. He spent the chunk of time on the sidelines due to injury and missed 15 games for the Italian giants.
Lukaku returned in the UEFA Champions League against Viktoria Plzen and scored.
He also had 23 minutes in Serie A against Sampdoria but went missing again with a thigh injury. While Lukaku is a reliable goal scorer he is heading into the tournament not on his best form.
Highly rated Stade Rennais winger that has been constantly linked with a big Premier League move, Jeremy Doku will have a chance to impress in this World Cup and perhaps earn himself a big move after all.
On the standby in case of injuries or unforeseen circumstances to the selected players are Bryan Heynen, Alexis Saelemaekers, Dodi Lukebakio and Jason Denayer.
Belgium official squad
Casteels, Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Toby Alderweireld, Zeno Debast, Wout Faes, Arthur Theate, Jan Vertonghen, Yannick Carrasco, Timothy Castagne.
Thomas Meunier, Thorgan Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne, Leander Dendoncker, Maadou Onana. Youri Tielemans, Hans Vanaken.
Axel Witsel, Charles de Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Leandro Trossard, Michy Batshuayi, Lois Openda and Romelu Lukaku.
Article compiled by Tlalane Phahla
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