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World Cup: Romelu Lukaku misses training – Will he make England the big one

By Ashley Anthony

MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 23: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Belgium and Tunisia at Spartak Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - JUNE 23: Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Belgium and Tunisia at Spartak Stadium on June 23, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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One in one out from either team leading into this mouth-watering fixture between leaders England and runners-up Belgium.

First it was the Englishman Delle Alli who missed out on the Panama mayhem, purely to be rested and ready for the Belgium game. Now a big blow for England’s opposition Belgium, with news Lukaku has missed training earlier today.

Hopefully nothing serious for the big target man, as they must do everything in their power to win their group over rivals England. Both teams won their first two Group G fixtures, respectively.

The difference minimal, with England piping Belgium by a whisker of a hair.  At the start of the tournament – it looked as if the Three Lions were going to struggle with the world’s eyes on them, expecting them to fail in another major event.

After two games in and the way the results went as predicted more, or less. The team with a more assertive performance was the English side. This has put pressure on the Belgium team to deliver in the last game as the favourites of the group.

But it will be difficult…

This will be difficult for the team whose personnel takes up their trade mostly in the English Premier League, which gives the game that extra edge. The manager himself, failed during his tenure as a club manager and he will be hoping his strong European side is at full strength.

The biggest dimmer on such a bright event, is that the Premier League’s most expensive striker might be out injured. This is a massive blow for the Red Devils even though they have substantial cover in all areas of the pitch.

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Lukaku was off the mark from the first whistle of the Devils’ tournament. Yes, Eden Hazard captain of the side accused the striker of hiding during their first match, but although the target man provided a small target, he was still on target… twice!

After securing the game for Belgium in the first game with the two slotted home, he doubled up by adding another double in their second fixture versus Tunisia. Four goals across two games showcases the number 9’s importance to the team.

The manager has given positive news but not all is clear. Any manager would give positive news rather than any words damaging the moral of the squad. Stating the player was fine while he was still absent from training – bodes ill together.

Next: De Gea showing he's human

Lukaku has been oozing out confidence – it would be sad to see the man hot on Kane’s heels (as they do in the English Premier League) fall away to injury. Martinez could be in favour of taking it easy against the Three Lions, after reports claim the Spaniard wants to rest a trio of players, even though Lukaku’s fitness is uncertain.

Things to think about for both managers. Where do they want to end, second place or winners of Group G?

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