Eden Hazard is praying Belgium do not have to face Ruben Loftus-Cheek next week. Chelsea midfielder Loftus-Cheek, 22, made his competitive England debut as an 80th-minute substitute in Monday’s last-gasp win over Tunisia.
And the 6ft 3in star is now in line for a first start on Sunday against Panama, as Dele Alli is a doubt with a thigh strain.Belgium captain Hazard admits he is not surprised by the rise of his club colleague, who impressed on loan last season at Crystal Palace.
But he is hoping England leave Loftus-Cheek out when his country plays them in their final Group G clash a week today.
Speaking from the Red Devils’ team hotel in Moscow, Hazard told SunSport: “For the last five years we have trained together and he’s a top player – he’s strong, he’s quick with the ball.