Last of Belgium's old guard hope for World Cup redemption

A retired Eden Hazard now spends his days playing golf, but some of Belgium's "golden generation" are having one last crack at aceing the World Cup.Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois and Axel Witsel, all in their mid-30s, are part of the squad taking on Egypt in Seattle on Monday, Iran the following Sunday and New Zealand on June 26.In 2018, Belgium reached the semi-finals in Russia and topped the world rankings.

But the Red Devils crashed out in the group stage four years' ago and their prestige has waned, even if the experienced quartet should help them into the knock-outs with ease."There’s no doubt that Belgium are the best side in that group. But that first game is never easy," Hazard told FIFA recently."

The squad is a mix of the old guard and a new generation who are starting to come through. The fact that they’re not being tipped as favourites will allow them to play with more freedom and composure. Expectations in Belgium are high, of course, but less so than in 2018 and 2022."

Hazard, 35, record caps holder Jan Vertonghen, 39, and Dries Mertens, 39, are among their top names to have retired, left with a feeling of what might have been."Golden generation', 'silver generation' – you could call it whatever you want," Hazard added."We knew that we had a great group of players performing for top clubs who were winning trophies every year, and we were all a similar age and maturing at the same time.

The World Cup is a tough trophy to win. Yes, we could have won one. We had a great run."

Lukaku set to be a substituteNow the likes of De Bruyne must shepherd in a new era.Coach Rudi Garcia describes the mercurial playmaker as "one of the best footballers of all time" and the former Manchester City star hopes to shine on the biggest stage one last time."I know that I don't have another 10 years ahead of me, and that's why I want to enjoy this tournament and these moments," De Bruyne said.

He also remains convinced of striker Lukaku's qualities despite the st