Romelu Lukaku gave England something to think about as he warmed up for the World Cup with two goals in Belgium’s 4-1 win over Costa Rica.
Lukaku is finding some form ahead of the tournament in Russia which pits the Red Devils with England in Group G, adding a brace in Brussels to the goal he scored against Egypt last week.
That took his tally to 13 goals in the last nine international games, as he also provided an assist, and will be Belgium’s main threat in what should be the group decider against Gareth Southgate’s side on June 28.
Dries Mertens and Michy Batshuayi also scored for Roberto Martinez’s men after Bryan Ruiz had put Costa Rica ahead.
Belgium had created some early chances but it was the visitors who took a 24th minute lead.
Jan Vertonghen failed to get proper distance on a headed clearance and it fell to Ruiz, who sent a low first-time effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
The Red Devils’ response was swift, though, and after Mertens had gone close he finally levelled just after the half-hour.
This time it was Costa Rica that failed to clear properly and Eden Hazard’s ball across goal was tucked home from close range.
The turnaround was complete before half-time as Lukaku scored a brilliant goal.
Starting the move in his own half, the Manchester United forward fed Kevin De Bryune, who set Mertens free and he turned provider for Lukaku to volley home from close range.
Lukaku’s second came five minutes after the restart and it was classic Lukaku as he made sure he got on the end of Hazard’s cross to convert with his head.
The United man then turned provider in the 64th minute as his low ball was converted at the back post by Chelsea’s Batshuayi.
That proved to be enough for Martinez’s men as they signed off ahead of their World Cup opener with Panama next Monday.
