EXCLUSIVE
By Chris Davie
Romelu Lukaku is targeting an upset against his Chelsea team-mates ahead of Belgium‘s friendly clash with England on Saturday.
The 19-year-old could potentially line up against John Terry, Gary Cahill and Ashley Cole at Wembley, which is the Three Lions’ final warm-up outing before they head off to their Krakow training camp.
“I’ve trained with John and Cahill at Chelsea so I feel like I’ve got a good idea of how they play. In terms of the rest of the defence, I’m not so sure, but I’ll be looking to take them on and score some goals,” said Lukaku.
“I’ve learnt a lot already from the likes of Frank [Lampard] in training and I’m disappointed for him that he will be missing out on the tournament. However, I’m looking forward to playing against my other team-mates at Wembley – it should be a great occasion for both sides.”
The striker maintains that Hodgson’s men are in the frame to triumph at Euro 2012 due to their underdog tag and feels that other nations who are more strongly tipped to win the tournament may suffer from pressure from fans.
“I think England have a great chance at Euro 2012 – the spotlight is on other teams pre-tournament which will suit the players,” Lukaku posited.
“The likes of Holland, Spain, and Germany will be all be strong in the tournament but all three have a lot of expectation and pressure from their fans. England have some world-class players and I’ll definitely be following them during the tournament.”
Belgium missed out on Euro 2012 after finishing third in their qualifying group behind Germany and Turkey, but the teenager has tipped his nation to secure their place at World Cup 2014.
“I feel good ahead of the England game, it’ll be a good chance for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the world,” he declared.
“We were obviously disappointed not to qualify for Euro 2012 but players within the national setup are starting to come through at the same time – the likes of [Vincent] Kompany, [Marouane] Fellaini, [Eden] Hazard, and [Moussa] Dembele have all had great seasons and hopefully we can come together as a national team and take that form into World Cup 2014 qualifying.”
| “I’ve had some good experience with the reserves this year and my goal for next season is to be part of the starting 11”
– Romelu Lukaku |
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Lukaku endured a frustrating first term at Chelsea last season and, despite previously suggesting that a loan move could enhance his prospects, the forward is targeting a regular role at Stamford Bridge in 2012-13.
“It was a huge moment for me to be signed by Chelsea, it’s a huge club and one I’m very proud to play for,” the youngster insisted.
“The Champions League win was amazing and the buzz around the club has been exciting to see. I feel like I’ve had some good experience with the reserves this year and my goal for next season is to play in the first team and be part of the starting 11.”
Lukaku will be wearing the adidas Predator Lethal Zones boots against England