Visit to Wembley is likely to be a test of whether the world’s No 1 team have what it takes to win a major championship
Roberto Martínez promised Thursday’s friendly against Ivory Coast in
Brussels would be all about “l’après Génération Dorée”. Yet after seeing his side’s 12-match winning streak ended by a penalty from Franck Kessie, the
Belgium manager must be relieved to focus on the present once more against
England on Sunday.
Martínez celebrated his fourth year in charge in August and his record is simply phenomenal. Belgium have won 36 of their 46 matches since his appointment and been defeated three times – including in the semi-finals of the 2018
World Cup by
France – meaning they have occupied top spot in Fifa’s rankings since September 2018.