World Cup 2018: Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi poses same big threat to England as Romelu Lukaku, warns Gary Cahill

EPA
Simon Johnson28 June 2018

Gary Cahill has warned his England team-mates that beating Belgium has not got any easier just because Michy Batshuayi will start up front instead of Romelu Lukaku tonight.

Lukaku, who trails Harry Kane five goals to four in the race for the Golden Boot, will not be risked due to an ankle injury, so Chelsea striker Batshuayi will lead the line as the two teams face off to decide who will top Group G.

Centre-half Cahill has noticed a huge improvement in Batshuayi since he spent the second half of last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund, scoring nine goals in 13 starts, and says England must take his threat seriously.

“Michy had a frustrating time at Chelsea last season,” said Cahill. “He went away on loan, scored goals and now his confidence is sky-high, so we have to be aware of that. He is a quick, powerful striker, who is full of self-belief. He is tricky in and around the area and gets his shots off quick.

“When you’re not in the team and have a long period just watching, frustration sets in. Obviously, it affects your form because you’re not as fit and sharp as you want to be. I don’t think he was overly happy. He obviously got his loan move and hit the ground running in the Bundesliga. I have watched his goals since he went to Dortmund. You can see how goals breed confidence. When you are scoring goals and playing regularly, you feel a big part of everything. I think that’s the frame of mind he’s been in since going there.”

Both England and Belgium are expected to make changes tonight, with Cahill ready to make his first start. Gareth Southgate is considering bringing up to seven others into the first team as he looks to make sure as many members of his squad get game-time.

“Everyone who plays tonight, has to grab the opportunity,” added Cahill. “There is no getting away from the fact that the pressure is slightly eased in this game. It should be a good occasion, but it is only remembered as such if you win.”

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez is set to start with Eden Hazard and England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek feels the Belgium captain is already proving to be on a par with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

“Eden is so talented,” said his Chelsea team-mate. “People say he should score more goals if he wants to get to Messi’s and Ronaldo’s level. He doesn’t have too. People should look at what else he does.”

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