Belgium’s national team record goal scorer, Romelu Lukaku, will be fit to face England in a friendly match on Tuesday at Wembley. He brings considerable firepower to an attack that looked devoid of ideas during the disappointing 0-0 draw against Ireland last weekend.
Lukaku missed the game in Dublin with a groin injury but is back in training, according to manager Domenico Tedesco. “Lukaku is ready to start,” the coach told reporters on Monday, before confirming that goalkeeper Koen Casteels remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.
Lukaku’s 83 goals in 113 caps is 50 goals more than the next top scorer on the list, Eden Hazard, and that expertise is needed in the absence of the midfield finesse of the injured Kevin De Bruyne. “We want to create more chances than against Ireland. We must be courageous, with open and positive football, said Tedesco. This is the perfect opportunity to test ourselves at the highest level. England may be without a few players, but they are far from weak.”
Tedesco has not tasted defeat in 11 matches since taking over from Roberto Martinez after a first-round exit from Qatar’s disastrous World Cup campaign. The draw in Dublin was the first time his side had hadn’t scored in that period, but Lukaku’s return brings experience and a threat in the penalty area that was lacking on Saturday. Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, who plays for Manchester City, also believes that this is a perfect test to see where the Belgians are before the final phase of Euro 2024.
“I think it will be a great match. This was not the case in Ireland, we are not going to deny that. I’m sure it will be completely different against England, he said. Against this top nation we will also be able to see where we are currently. Then we can continue working towards the European Championship.”
Belgium have won three of their last four matches against England, but have failed to win in their last five visits to London.
