MERTENS: THE AGONY OF EURO 2016 IS WHAT WILL DRIVE US ON TO GLORY

BELGIUM star Dries Mertens says the pain of losing to Wales at Euro 2016 will drive them on at the World Cup.

Roberto Martinez’s highly-rated side take on Japan tomorrow but are well aware that they have come up short in previous tournaments.

Mertens, who is likely to be back alongside Eden Hazard after Martinez fielded a virtual reserve team against England, said the players knew they had to deliver.

The Red Devils were fancied to do well at the Euros in France two years ago, but were dumped out by a Gareth Baleinspired Wales side in the quarter-finals.

Mertens (inset) said: “Everyone thought we’d go through – we went out. We have that on our minds and it gives us strength.” Belgium go into tomorrow’s game full of confidence after topping their group and will have Romelu Lukaku available again after an ankle injury. Martinez said: “The opportunity of facing Japan with the mentality that the group has is a very positive moment for us. They’re going to be a competitive team. They know how to hurt you in a counter-attack.”

It is the first big competitive test of the Spaniard’s two-year reign. “There’s a real belief,” he added. “There is no margin for error. We’re going to do what we believe in.”