ROBERTO TO SHUFFLE ’EM
BELGIUM boss Roberto Martinez admits he could make TEN changes for Thursday’s clash with England.
The Red Devils coach insists he wants to win the game and top Group G, despite it potentially delivering a tougher route to the final.
But the word in the Belgium camp is that a host of big stars will be rested – including Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Dries Mertens, Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Meunier.
Lukaku, Hazard and Mertens are carrying injuries and will not be risked, while De Bruyne, Vertonghen and Meunier are all on a booking.
Asked whether he could change every outfield player, Martinez, 44, said: “It could be an option. I think everyone deserves to play in the World Cup.
“Nobody has a place guaranteed in this team at the moment.
“We have already qualified. We are preparing for two matches, not just the one against England.
“We are going to set up as strong a team as
from PAUL BROWN possible, taking into account the yellow cards and the physical state of some players.
“The team objective is the only thing that matters. If that means some people need to miss out I don’t think that will be a problem.
“It would be risky to play any of the players on a yellow card. It would be unprofessional.”
The smart money is on Martinez making up to eight changes, with Lukaku almost certain to miss out despite a scan on his ankle revealing no damage.
Martinez also revealed that Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen are “medically fit” after injuries and could start.
Meanwhile, Vertonghen says England are now one of the favourites to win the World Cup.
The Spurs star said: “England are one of the most impressive teams in the tournament.
“You have to bear in mind they scored six of their eight goals from set pieces. We know what we have to pay attention to.”