Joe Hart praises Romelu Lukaku as ‘top’ despite bad luck at Euro 2024

The Red Devils bounced back from a 1-0 defeat to Slovakia with a fluid and exciting attacking performance that pushed Romania to the brink.

However, the scoreline might have been better had Lukaku not seen the goal disallowed by VAR for offside.

It was Lukaku’s third goal of this World Cup, and in an alternate universe the former Manchester United and Everton man – who spent last season on loan at Roma from Chelsea – would have been the first goal scorer in this tournament. Top scorer in the World Cup.

Lukaku provided at least one assist, setting up Youri Tielemans’ 73-second opener.

Hart praises Lukaku as ‘top’

Despite Lukaku’s current VAR luck, Lukaku was singled out for praise by the recently retired Hart, who is working as a Euro 2024 commentator on BBC Sport.

“Romelu Lukaku looks every bit a top striker,” Hart said after Saturday’s game in Cologne. “He’s proven himself to be a top striker at many points in his career and at some points not, but he looks comfortable in this team and feels like he’s the centerpiece. When he performs well He will make a lot of contributions to this Belgian team.

Belgium’s victory on Saturday leaves all four teams in Group E with three points heading into the final round.

Slovakia will face Romania in Frankfurt and Ukraine will face Belgium in Stuttgart, with both games taking place simultaneously at 5pm (UK time) on Wednesday.