Belgium are confident they can win the World Cup despite missing some of the key elements of their 2018 campaign, defender Jan Vertonghen said on Tuesday.

Belgium finished third in Russia after coming close in a 0-1 defeat by eventual champions France, but this time they will not be able to rely on the likes of Vincent Kompany, who retired, or Marouane Fellaini, who does not play for his country anymore.

Vertonghen, however, believes the younger generation is ready.

“I understand the selection in 2018 was exceptional. I understand you may have some doubts now because a couple of these guys, who where leaders, are missing now,” Vertonghen told a news conference on the eve of their Group F opener against Canada.

“But they have been replaced... now we have a strong midfield, a lot of options among the forwards. Now there is room for these young guys and I’m excited by what I see. I have faith in this squad.”

While Romelu Lukaku will miss the first two games through injury, coach Roberto Martinez has closely watched the rapid improvements of Lois Openda in Ligue 1 with RC Lens. “I have 25 players who are fully fit for tomorrow (Wednesday) — all of them apart from Lukaku,” said Martinez asked about the condition of Eden Hazard.

Davies fit

Like Belgium, Canada too are comfortable with their fitness. Winger Alphonso Davies is fully fit and on track to start on Wednesday night after he recovered from a strained right hamstring.

With inputs from Reuters

⚫ Match starts: 12.30am IST