Romelu Lukaku is not the first name you think of when you’re faced with a question about some of the world’s elite strikers. However, he always ends up in the conversation, thanks to his illustrious portfolio and the things he’s done at some of the clubs he’s played for: Everton, Manchester United, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Roma. You can’t play for these clubs if you aren’t doing something right in your career.
The truth is Romelu Lukaku hasn’t managed to be consistent with all these clubs. Belgium is one place he’s found peace and consistency throughout his rollercoaster career, and he has the chance to continue his impressive run for his country when they face England later today, as the national team manager provided an update on his injury in a press briefing.
Romelu Lukaku to return to Belgium XI vs England
Romelu Lukaku appears to have overcome a hip problem and is ready to face England in a friendly game today. He hopes to continue his impressive form for Belgium. The on-loan Roma striker was on the bench in the disappointing goalless draw against Ireland at the weekend but could be back in the starting lineup when his country faces England at Wembley later today.
“Lukaku is ready to start,” Domenico Tedesco declared. Lukaku’s return to the team will definitely give Tedesco a boost, who’s yet to lose a match in the 11 games he’s played as the country’s new manager. He took over from Roberto Martinez after the World Cup, who has since become Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.’s manager after taking up the job at Portugal.
“England will provide a proper test for Belgium, with the manager believing they are the perfect opponents for a friendly match. This will reveal to them their standing ahead of the Euro 2024 tournament. With Romelu Lukaku back in the mix, Belgium will have the chance to test England at full capacity.
Romelu Lukaku’s goal scoring record in Belgium colors
Romelu Lukaku may not be the best player out there, but his country values him greatly for his contributions whenever he puts on their shirt. He represented Belgium at several youth levels before making his debut in 2010 under Dick Advocaat at just 16 years and nine months of age.
He is the country’s leading goalscorer with 83 goals in 113 appearances across all competitions. Of those goals, 23 have come in international friendlies, which means he could increase his tally when Belgium faces England later today. Additionally, he has scored 21 goals in European qualifiers and 18 goals in World Cup qualifiers.
His last goal came in November 2023 when he scored four goals in the European qualifying game against Azerbaijan, resulting in an eventual 5-0 win. He will be looking to continue scoring for Belgium even without the country’s second-leading goalscorer, Eden Hazard, who retired from professional football altogether last year.
