Belgium’s all-time top scorer, Romelu Lukaku, is set to bring a significant boost to the national team’s attacking line as they prepare to face England in a friendly match at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday.
The announcement comes as a relief following Belgium’s uninspiring 0-0 draw against Ireland, a match that saw the team struggling to make a decisive impact without their leading scorer.
Lukaku, with a remarkable tally of 83 goals from 113 appearances, stands out not only as Belgium’s most prolific scorer but as a vital component of the team’s offensive strategy. His return is particularly timely as Belgium lacked the offensive spark in their recent match against Ireland, highlighting the gap left by the absence of midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne due to injury.
The coach confirmed Lukaku’s readiness, stating, “Lukaku is ready to start,” highlighting the striker’s critical role in the upcoming fixture. However, it was also mentioned that goalkeeper Koen Casteels would not be participating due to a shoulder injury.
The upcoming match against England is seen as a critical test for Belgium as they aim to bounce back and showcase a more dynamic and creative playstyle.
“We want to create more opportunities than against Ireland. We need to be brave, with open and positive football,” Tedesco said.
Despite England missing some key players, Tedesco warned against underestimating the Three Lions, noting, “England may be missing some players, but that makes them anything but weak.” This statement reflects the respect Belgium holds for England, acknowledging the depth and quality that their opponents possess.
Under Tedesco’s leadership, Belgium has yet to experience defeat, boasting an impressive record in his tenure. The draw in Dublin was the first time Belgium failed to score under his guidance, making Lukaku’s return even more pivotal for the team’s confidence and attacking potency.
Jeremy Doku, Belgium’s winger and a current player for Manchester City, shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming match, seeing it as an essential measure of the team’s progress ahead of the Euro 2024 finals.
“I think it’s going to be a nice match. That was not the case in Ireland, we are not going to deny that. I’m sure it will be completely different against England,” Doku expressed. He further highlighted the importance of the match as a benchmark for Belgium’s current standing and an opportunity for improvement leading up to the European Championship.
Belgium’s record against England in recent years has been positive, with three wins in their last four encounters. However, victory in London has eluded them, adding anticipation and challenge to the narrative as they head into this friendly with high hopes and a strengthened squad.
