Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne have vowed to give a better World Cup performance when Belgium face Tunisia, writes David McDonnell in Moscow.

The Premier League duo took a while to get going in Monday’s win over Panama.

An improved second half performance eventually saw them home 3-0, but captain Hazard knows more will be required here on Saturday against a side that almost held England to a draw.

The Chelsea forward said: “The first game at any tournament is always a little tough and the heat also tired us out, but after rest we’ll be ready to roll again.”

Belgium eventually beat Panama 3-0, but admit they weren't at their best (
Image:
AFP/Getty)

De Bruyne set up the second goal for Romelu Lukaku with a typically innovative pass, and now the Manchester City midfielder wants more.

He said: “I have to get the strikers into situations where they can score. If I do that, then I know I’m doing a good job.”

De Bruyne's club skipper Vincent Kompany missed training again on Thursday — but is expected to be fit to face England in Kaliningrad next Thursday night.

The veteran defender has yet to train with Roberto Martinez’s side since their arrival in Russia while he recovers from a groin injury picked up in the build-up to these finals.

Kompany is expected to start training with the Red Devils at their Moscow training base on Friday and could make his first appearance of the tournament in a game to decide who wins Group G — against the country where he's lived for 10 years.

“We expect Kompany to be on the field within three days,” said Martinez, speaking on Tuesday.

Fellow defender Thomas Vermaelen did some light training with the group as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem, but he too will miss the Tunisia game.

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