Sels named in Belgium's initial World Cup squad

Sels – who joined Newcastle from Gent in 2016 – has spent the entirety of the current campaign back in his homeland with Anderlecht, making 35 appearances during a year-long loan deal.

The 26-year-old was called up by boss Roberto Martínez – formerly of Everton and Wigan Athletic – for Les Diables Rouges’ friendly against Saudi Arabia in March, though he is still to make his senior bow.

He is one of four goalkeepers to be included, joining Chelsea’s Thibaut Courtois, Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet and VfL Wolfsburg’s Koen Casteels.

Belgium welcome both Portugal and Egypt to Brussels before Martínez trims his squad down to 23 on Monday, 4^th June. They then play their final warm-up fixture, against Costa Rica, a week later before travelling to Russia for their Group F opener against Panama.