World Cup

Roberto Martinez: 'Romelu Lukaku is not here to win the Golden Boot'

By Matthew Jones, Reporter | 22 June 2018

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez insists that Romelu Lukaku is purely focused on winning the World Cup trophy rather than the individual award of the Golden Boot.

Belgium manager Roberto Martinez has insisted that Romelu Lukaku is more interested in winning the World Cup trophy rather than the Golden Boot at the tournament.

Lukaku netted twice as the Red Devils brushed aside Panama in their opening Group G fixture, beating them 3-0 on Monday as Dries Mertens bagged the first goal.

Martinez and Lukaku worked together during their time at Everton and the Manchester United forward is an early contender for the Golden Boot, but his international boss is adamant that his focus is purely on the team.

"He's not here to be the top scorer at the World Cup, he's here to help the team to win and do his role," Martinez told reporters.

"His role is of someone who can score goals. I know Rom well, I spent the biggest amount in Everton's history on a player because of the quality of his finishing, not because he was a player that could contribute things other than scoring goals.

"His role in the national team has become that. Maybe before there was confusion, when you ask players to do things they can't do it becomes confusing. I think Rom now knows his role. I wouldn't expect any player to work towards an individual reward, the players know what they have to do to make a winning team."

Belgium will play Tunisia on Saturday in their second fixture of the group stages.