Romelu Lukaku reached another international milestone for Belgium, but Rudi Garcia was talking about selection rather than celebration after the win over Croatia. Lukaku scored his 90th international goal in the 96th minute after coming on in the 73rd, yet Garcia said he will not start against Egypt and that Belgium will manage him carefully, step by step.
That feels like the right call. Belgium's record scorer is back in the picture, but the recent workload is too light to pretend he is ready for a full start straight away.
Why Garcia is taking the cautious route
Garcia was blunt when asked about Lukaku's status. Speaking to football-italia.net, he said: "Honestly, I thought he'd be in worse shape after long inactivity. At Napoli, he had no space, and I hope he can play consistently in the future. I'm happy he's recovered, because Belgium don't have another player like him. We'll have to manage him carefully, anyway. I know everyone wants to see him start against Egypt, but that won't be the case. We'll take it step by step."
The numbers behind that caution are straightforward. Lukaku has played only 60 minutes for Napoli in 2025-26. In his most recent club appearance, he was on the pitch for 11 minutes.
So while the late goal against Croatia mattered, it did not erase months of limited action. Garcia's point is not that Lukaku cannot help Belgium. It is that Belgium need to use him in a way that gives them the best chance of having him available and effective once the tournament starts properly.
Garcia's praise after the milestone reflected that balance. He told goal.com: "Lukaku was born to score goals. I thought he could have handled one of the earlier chances better, and it's natural to be stricter with top players, but he came on well and started pressing the opposition as soon as he entered the game. Everyone is happy for him and has a lot of respect for him. Now he has to continue working with the coaching staff and keep improving."
That is probably the most sensible reading of Lukaku's current situation. The finishing instinct is still there. The condition to start a match is a separate issue.
What Belgium's warm-up win did show
Garcia did not frame the Croatia result as a night built around one player. He focused on the team shape and the way Belgium adjusted during the game. He said the water break allowed Belgium to make three tactical changes that improved their performance, and he liked the collective response.
Speaking to goal.com, Garcia said: "We played well against Croatia. The water break allowed us to make three tactical changes that improved our performance. We faced some difficulties at times, but we managed to keep a clean sheet. The players defended as a team and didn't give the opposition any clear-cut chances, apart from the shot that hit the crossbar."
That matters because Belgium's build-up is not just about whether Lukaku can start the next game. Garcia is trying to get a side ready for Egypt, Iran and New Zealand without leaning only on reputation. He also called the Croatia win "an important match before the World Cup" and said the collective display stood out most.
There is still plenty of veteran weight in this squad. Kevin De Bruyne was Belgium's top scorer in qualifying with 6 goals, which says a lot about where the burden still falls. Garcia made clear he is comfortable with that reality, saying Belgium want to finish top of the group and progress, while also insisting they are not favourites.
What happens next for Lukaku and Belgium
Belgium have one final warm-up fixture against Tunisia before the World Cup begins. After that come Egypt on 15 June, Iran on 21 June and New Zealand on 27 June.
The big takeaway is simple enough: Lukaku's 90th goal was useful evidence that he can still change a game, even from the bench. It was not a reason for Garcia to rush him into the starting line-up. Based on the minutes he has played for club and country, Belgium are better off keeping that caution for now, starting with Egypt.
FAQ
Will Romelu Lukaku start for Belgium against Egypt?
Rudi Garcia said Lukaku will not start against Egypt. The Belgium coach said the striker must be managed carefully and taken step by step after limited recent club minutes for Napoli.
Why is Belgium being cautious with Romelu Lukaku before the World Cup?
Garcia's caution is tied to Lukaku's lack of recent playing time. He has played only 60 minutes for Napoli in 2025-26, and his most recent club appearance lasted 11 minutes, so Belgium are easing him back rather than starting him immediately.
Did Romelu Lukaku score in Belgium's warm-up match before the World Cup?
Yes. Lukaku came on in the 73rd minute against Croatia and scored Belgium's late goal in the 96th minute. It was his 90th international goal, but Garcia still made clear that milestone does not change the plan to manage him carefully.
Who are Belgium playing in their next World Cup matches?
Belgium's next World Cup fixtures are against Egypt on 15 June, Iran on 21 June and New Zealand on 27 June. Belgium also have one final warm-up fixture against Tunisia before the tournament begins.
Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →