While the connection between De Bruyne and Lukaku has defined Belgium’s ‘Golden Generation’, questions are being asked about whether the partnership still functions at the highest level. Lukaku started the 0-0 draw against Iran but failed to find the net, leading to calls for Charles De Ketelaere to be returned to the starting XI.
De Bruyne, however, maintains that personal relationships must take a backseat to the collective goal of reaching the knockout rounds. “Everyone knows how close we (he and Lukaku) have been for years, but now it’s the time to focus on the team,” the midfielder concluded. “We’ve not been up to the task, but we can become so.”
