Lukaku: Belgium squad are ‘all on the same page’

Mark Scott
Romelu Lukaku: Celebrates with Axel Witsel

Romelu Lukaku: Celebrates with Axel Witsel

Romelu Lukaku has insisted there is no ill-feeling in the Belgium squad following the 3-0 drubbing of the Republic of Ireland in Bordeaux.

The Everton hitman struck twice in succession either side of Axel Witsel’s 61st-minute header as the Belgians put their opening loss to Italy behind them and began to live up to their ranking as the second best team in the world.

Marc Wilmots’ men simply had too much for Ireland, who barely landed a blow at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux with Belgium dominating possession from the off and forcing them on to the back foot.

Now Lukaku believes Belgium have ironed out all the issues that arose from the opening game against Italy and a productive team meeting has helped improve the team’s performance.

“I’m very calm; the team as well,” he said in quotes reported by UEFA.com.

“We had a team meeting two days ago, where everyone could express their opinion and yes, we played well.

“The team responded very well. We did what we had to do, we had to play good football and keep a clean sheet. That’s what we did; now on to the next game.

“We’re dealing with a lot of personalities and everybody wants to win and players give their all,” he told ITV Sport.

“Sometimes there are discussions, but it is normal. Everyone needs to be on the same page. I don’t think we were against Italy, but we are now.”