William Saliba produced a brilliant display to keep Romelu Lukaku quiet (Getty)
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba delivered a dominant display against Romelu Lukaku as France knocked Belgium out of Euro 2024 on Monday evening.
Didier Deschamps’ side were not at their best in their last-16 tie but secured their place in the quarter final thanks to Randal Kolo Muani’s effort, which deflected off Jan Vertonghen, in the 85th minute.
Saliba, meanwhile, was one of France’s standout performers as he kept Lukaku quiet and restricted the Chelsea striker to just 20 touches all game.
Lukaku, who felt he was fouled by Saliba in the build up to France’s winning goal, registered just one shot on target against France and ends his Euro 2024 campaign with four games and no goals.
Saliba was widely praised for his display up against Lukaku and his physicality against Belgium’s No.10 did not go unnoticed during Fox Sports’ live coverage as commentator Darren Fletcher said early in the second half: ‘I didn’t realise the pockets on the French shorts were this big but Saliba’s managed to fit Lukaku in his.’
Romelu Lukaku ended his Euro 2024 campaign without a goal (AP)
Despite Lukaku’s clear struggles against Saliba, Belgium head coach, Domenico Tedesco, defended his decision to keep the 31-year-old on the pitch.
‘We have complete confidence in Romelu, he has already proven on numerous occasions that he was the man for the job,’ Tedesco said.
‘He is a complete attacker, he weighs on defences, he is dangerous in all situations. There are many reasons to leave him on the pitch.
‘Romelu had a difficult tournament. Normally, he should have been top scorer in the group stage, and now he leaves the tournament without any goals. It’s tough.’
Meanwhile, Deschamps praised his side’s solid defensive display with France right-back Jules Kounde named Player of the Match.
‘Defensive solidity is essential at this level,’ Deschamps said after France’s win over Belgium.
‘It is not just about defending well. There is also the use of the ball by starting from behind. They are gaining strength. They are confident. Jules Kounde was more offensive than Theo Hernandez, he is full of confidence. He feels good in his head and athletically.
‘Have you seen the clubs where they play? It is Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern, AC Milan… I have very high-level players. I can count on the whole group.’
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