Hazard, going to the worldwide showpiece event for the third time, is Belgium captain however has barely performed for Real this season after falling out of favor underneath coach Carlo Ancelotti. The 31-year-old, nevertheless, is evaluating the state of affairs to the European Championship in 2020 when he additionally went into the competitors missing recreation time. “I’m keeping my smile,” he instructed reporters on Monday.

“I’ve had a troublesome few months the place I haven’t been capable of achieve a lot rhythm. I now have to point out that I can nonetheless do it. I don’t doubt it myself, however I perceive that the surface world does. “Just like on the final Euros. I gained minutes within the first matches and was there within the quarter-final towards Portugal. Our medical and technical workers will assist me (be prepared).

“I feel good physically. Of course, I miss rhythm, that’s why the last practice match against Egypt (is important). Then I want to be there for the first match (in Qatar).” Belgium play Egypt in Kuwait in a warm-up on Friday and a match and firing Hazard is vital for coach Roberto Martinez as chief of their so-called “Golden Generation”.

“I have not suddenly lost my qualities. This will be my third World Cup and I want to show that Belgium can still count on its captain and that I want to give everything (for the team). “Together with a few other boys, I have reached an age where you can drop out (of the team). But not before going all out in Qatar first.”

Belgium, who completed third on the 2018 World Cup, have been drawn in Group F and open their marketing campaign towards Canada on Nov. 23, earlier than taking up Morocco and Croatia. “Our first focus should be on surviving the group stage,” Hazard stated.

“Then anything is possible if we give the maximum. Quarter-final, semi-final or even the final.” He additionally reiterated he has no plans to depart Madrid in January. “I don’t want to leave Real. Maybe things will look different (for me there) after the World Cup,” Hazard stated.