ROMELU LUKAKU took just eight minutes to find the back of the net on his 100th appearance for his country.
The 28-year-old striker netted his 67th international goal in Belgium’s 3-0 win over the Czech Republic on Sunday.
It follows the two goals that he bagged in the 5-2 thumping of Estonia on Thursday, and his goal on his second debut for Chelsea against Arsenal last month.
He has shown no signs of pressure since his £97.5million move from Inter in August.
Lukaku’s goals for his country have helped the world’s no1 ranked side ease to the top of Group E in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.
Roberto Martinez’s side have picked up 13 points from five games, and are six points clear of the Czech Republic in second.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
And Sunday’s win against the Czechs means Belgium are now unbeaten in 29 home games.
Lukaku opened the scoring on his 100th appearance for his country, latching on to a Hans Vanaken pass to fire home from just inside the area.
Former Chelsea man Eden Hazard added the second, before substitute Alexis Saelemaekers netted the third.
Lukaku himself could have had a hat-trick, but substitute goalkeeper Jindrich Stanek made two saves from the £97.5million man to restrict him to just the one goal on the night.
Belarus are Belgium’s next opponents in World Cup qualifying on Wednesday, before Lukaku switches his attention back to the Premier League.
He has made an instant impact since returning to Stamford Bridge after netting against Arsenal in his first game back for the Blues.
The striker is aiming to right some wrongs after a dismal first spell for Chelsea between 2011 and 2014.
In twelve games for the club Lukaku failed to score and after loan spells with West Brom and Everton he was shipped off permanently to the Toffees.
But Lukaku has started well on his return to the club and he will be looking to maintain Chelsea’s unbeaten start to the season as Thomas Tuchel’s side welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
It’s the start of a mouthwatering run of games for the Blues who kick off their Champions League defence against Zenit St. Petersburg after the Aston Villa clash, before facing bitter rivals Tottenham.
A Carabao Cup clash against Aston Villa follows, prior to huge games against Manchester City in the Premier League and Juventus in the Champions League.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
