Belgium coach Marc Wilmots calls for end to Romelu Lukaku criticism

By AFP Sport

Image: Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring the first of his two goals against the Republic of Ireland

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has called for an end to criticism of Romelu Lukaku ahead of his side's Euro 2016 quarter-final against Wales.

The Everton striker scored twice in the 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland but has failed to find the net in the other two group games and in Sunday's 4-0 win over Hungary which secured a last-16 berth.

At the weekend he was replaced towards the end of the game by Crystal Palace target Michy Batshuayi, who scored just two minutes after being introduced in Toulouse.

"Romelu moves a lot," Wilmots told reporters at his country's base near Bordeaux. "All Thibaut Courtois' clearances come to him and against Hungary he won every ball in the air.

Geraint Hughes reports that Ashley Williams' appearance at Wales training was partly to send a message to their next Euro 2016 opponents Belgium.

"He runs all the time and tires out defences, creates space for others. Believe me, defenders, when they are up against him, are not laughing.

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"Against Hungary he was off the mark with one lay-off. One! He can't get away with the slightest mistake. Everything he does has to come off."

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