World Cup 2018: Romelu Lukaku and Thierry Henry play-fight in training as Belgium prepare for France semi-final
Legendary striker, who helped Les Bleus win the World Cup in 1998, in relaxed mood as plots to help his adopted nation overcome his homeland tomorrow
BELGIUM star Romelu Lukaku showed he is up for the battle as he enjoyed a play fight with Thierry Henry this morning.
The Manchester United striker was all-smiles as he and his national assistant boss got physical before training.
Henry, who helped France to win the World Cup in 1998, looked to be as relaxed as the squad as he prepares to try and help Roberto Martinez’s side overcome his homeland in tomorrow’s semi-final showdown.
The ex-Arsenal ace got to grips with Lukaku in Dedovsk as the Red Devils put the finishing touches to their preparation for the St Petersburg showdown.
He was caught giving the striker a playful shove at the start of the session as the mood in the Belgian camp appeared to be relaxed.
Lukaku, who has scored four goals at the tournament, was instrumental in helping his country to defeat the much-fancied Brazil 2-1 on Friday as he produced a powerful and dominating display.
Manchester City man Kevin De Bruyne, one of the scorers against the Samba Boys, was also in attendance as Martinez looks to down Les Bleus.
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made several fine stops to deny Brazil and he looked to be in just as good form today.
Eden Hazard was also caught having a one-on-one chat with his manager Martinez in the dug-out.
And the latter will be hoping the magician can sprinkle more of his magic to help them reach Sunday’s final against either England or Croatia.
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Martinez has called on his men to be brave against the Euro 2016 finalists.
He told : “This group has to play with no fear at all. If we approach this match with fear within us, we will bring ourselves down and we'd be able to do so much less than what we can actually do.
“To play without fear would probably be the one thing which would help us the most.
“This group of players needs to play without fear to keep all of its options open. It's like a voyage to the moon: We need to face it full of illusions.”
And speaking of his No2 Henry, he added: “Thierry is someone who lives for football.
“He's a very, very special guy. He brings to the table his experience as winner of a World Cup... that's golden for you to have.”