England game will show if Belgium's stars still have their Midas touch

10-Oct-2020 11:00:34 | The Guardian

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 that Thursday’s friendly against Ivory Coast in Brussels would be all about “l’après Génération Dorée”, what will happen after the golden generation. 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 only 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.