Boyata is one step closer to his World Cup dream

Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata took a big step towards fulfilling his dream of playing in next month’s World Cup when he was named in Belgium’s 28-strong provisional squad for the Russia finals.

Boyata, though, now faces an anxious wait to see if he survives when the squad is reduced to 23 on Monday 4 June.

The 27-year-old has been in fine form for Celtic in their double-treble season, but his international place has been the subject of much debate in his homeland.

One player who will not be representing Belgium in Russia is Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan, who announced his international retirement after being left out of the squad.

England’s Group G opponents are managed by former Wigan and Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who has called up 15 players who ply their trade in England.

Joining the expected big names such as Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku are Michy Batshuayi, whose eye-catching loan from Chelsea to Borussia Dortmund was cut short by ankle ligament injury, outof-form Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke and Nacer Chadli of relegated West Bromwich Albion.

But Nainggolan, who helped propel his club past Barcelona to the Champions League semi-finals, where he scored in a thrilling second leg against Liverpool, reacted to his snub by quitting.

In a message on Instagram, he wrote: “Very reluctantly my international career comes to an end. I’ve always done everything I could to represent my country. Being yourself can be bothering. From this day on I will be the first fan.”