The strapping striker had come to symbolise the malaise which bedeviled Belgium during their dire opening loss to Italy.
But he was at the forefront of a recovery Saturday, finding the back of the net twice in a 3-0 win against the outclassed Ireland.
This new exuberance could be found in the Everton man’s excellent opener.
He won the ball on the edge of his own area, before charging up the pitch to stylishly sweep into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
This is the level Lukaku and the Red Devils must reach for the rest of Euro 2016 to live up to their high billing.
