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World Cup 2018: Romelu Lukaku OUT for England vs Belgium - can Harry Kane take advantage?
BELGIUM striker Romelu Lukaku will miss Thursday’s World Cup game against England due to an injury. So what does this mean for Harry Kane?
Marcus Rashford reveals how Lukaku is like Ronaldo
The 25-year-old Manchester United star suffered an ankle injury on Saturday during Belgium's 5-2 win against Tunisia.
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez said Lukaku has had a scan which showed good results, but the England game is “one day too early for him.”
He said: "I don't think it is going to take any longer than that.”
The Thursday game will decide who wins Group G.
What does this mean for Harry Kane?
Both England and Belgium have secured their spot in the last 16.
Both sides are also level on points, goal difference and goals scored.
Their disciplinary records will decide who finishes top of the group if Thursday’s game is a draw.
However, Lukaku is one goal behind England’s Harry Kane in this World Cup, as the strikers compete for the Golden Boot.
Kane, who has scored five goals, has the edge over Lukaku who is on four.
Lukaku would have been keen to overtake his Premier League rival in this upcoming game.
Now, however, Kane has an opportunity to increase his winning margin.
Lukaku is considered to be among Harry Kane’s main rivals for the prestigious Golden Boot award, while Cristiano Ronaldo is also in the running with four goals.
Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen has praised Kane’s skills.
He said: “He has scored a lot of goals and been very important for Tottenham and the English national team as well.
"He is a complete striker. He is strong, he scores goals. For me, he is a world-class striker."
Tottenham forward Kane brought his tally to five on Sunday after a hat-trick against Panama.
England will play Belgium at 7pm BST on Thursday in Kalingrad.