Romelu Lukaku has missed Belgium training for a second consecutive day ahead of their final World Cup group match with England.
Roberto Martinez’s side takes on England with first place in Group G up for grabs but they could be without Lukaku, who suffered a slight ankle injury in Belgium’s 5-2 win over Tunisia.
Lukaku had a scan on his ankle that showed no serious damage but it is even more unlikely now that he will be risked against England, with Martinez prioritising the rest of Belgium’s World Cup campaign.
READ MORE: Phil Neville’s son joins Man Utd academy from Valencia
The Belgium boss will be sending his players out to beat England, although the Three Lions will be looking be looking to take advantage of Martinez potentially being without his main goal threat.
From just two games at the World Cup, Lukaku has four goals after scoring two braces. That’s a great return, yet he will want to get back on the pitch in order to catch up with Tottenham striker Harry Kane, who is currently on five goals.
Asked if he could rest all 10 outfield players from the win over Tunisia, Martinez told reporters, as per the Daily Mail: “Yes, it would be possible.
“It would be too risky and too much of a gamble to use players who have yellow cards, as we don’t want anybody to be suspended for the next stage.
“No professional plays to lose, so we will try to win. There is no point looking at the pathway. It is game by game.”
Belgium and England have six points each in Group G and share the same goal difference. We can’t wait but would prefer to see Lukaku in action.
That has nothing to do with me backing Lukaku to be top scorer at the World Cup. Promise…
