A goal against Egypt - and the transfer market: the World Cup could genuinely help Lukaku, and Napoli too

Romelu Lukaku needed just 28 seconds to write his name into this World Cup. The centre-forward came on and rescued Belgium from defeat against Egypt, securing a respectable - more or less - 1-1 draw against Salah and company. The Red Devils once again clung to one of the last survivors of Belgian football’s Golden Generation: a side that never won anything, despite all the expectation. And Lukaku also struck a blow to the transfer market.

His build-up to this World Cup, as is well known, was far from straightforward. Quite the opposite: his decision not to undergo surgery, unlike his team-mate Kevin De Bruyne, extended his recovery time, with his return clearly targeted at the tournament. It went as far as causing a rupture with SSC Napoli: Big Rom chose to remain in Belgium at a critical stage of the season, creating a rift not only with his mentor Antonio Conte, but also with Aurelio De Laurentiis’ club as a whole.

Was it worth it, if the aim was to reach the World Cup in peak condition? Perhaps. Lukaku would say yes; Napoli may be less convinced. In reality, though, a strong tournament would help everyone. After such a disappointing season on several fronts, there is hardly a queue forming either at the club’s door or at that of the Belgian striker, with the two still tied together by a contract that expires only next year.

The World Cup shop window, however, could persuade clubs that there is still value in taking a chance on the former Inter Milan and AS Roma striker, giving him a fresh adventure at the top level - and handing Napoli an exit strategy for one of the thorniest issues in their squad.