Belgium boss hints at changes for decider

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez praised Romelu Lukaku for his “clinical” finishing in Saturday’s thrashing of Tunisia but then dropped a big hint that he would be rested for the Group G decider against England.

The Manchester United striker scored twice before limping off in the 59th minute, with Eden Hazard also getting a brace and Michy Batshuayi claiming the fifth.

Dylan Bronn gave Tunisia brief hope with a first-half header but Wahbi Khazri’s stoppage-time strike was only a consolation.

England needed a goal in added time to beat Tunisia in their opening game but the Red Devils had no such worries, tearing in from the start and creating chances at will.

They had 23 shots, 12 on target, and Batshuayi should have scored a hat-trick after coming on with 20 minutes left.

Martinez explained that Lukaku injured ankle ligaments, while Hazard strained his calf and Dries Mertens hurt his ankle.

Asked if this meant there would be changes for the game against England in Kaliningrad on Thursday, Martinez said: “The answer is very clear: if we had seven days to prepare it would be the same starting XI.

“In international football, the reality now is we have qualified. There will be opportunities to give minutes to other players. There will be major changes against England.”

The former Wigan and Everton boss was understandably pleased, but said his team can play even better.

“This was a game that suited our style, you have to give credit to Tunisia,” he said.

“They wanted to win from the beginning, press high up. The credit that we deserve is that we took those opportunities well.

“We are still growing. With a two-goal lead we should have controlled the game a little bit better.”

Romelu Lukaku: Two goals against Tunisia.