Hazard remains hopeful on Belgium call-up

Thorgan Hazard is hoping a run of good form for Borussia Monchengladbach will help him earn a spot in Belgium’s squad for Euro
2016 this summer.

The 23-year-old forward – brother of Chelsea star Eden – has just one senior international cap on his CV but he is not giving up on a call from Marc Wilmots before June.

Hazard netted twice as Borussia Monchengladbach swept aside Hertha Berlin 5-0 in the Bundesliga over the weekend.

Scoring goals for his club is as much as he can do to try and force his way into the Red Devils picture, says Hazard.

“I know that my chances of making the squad are bigger if I play well here,” he told reporters. “But I did not think about it [during the game]. I only wanted to put in a good performance and win.”

Hazard faces stiff competition with the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi seemingly well ahead of him in the queue for selection.

Belgium will face Italy, Republic of Ireland and Sweden in Group E at Euro 2016.

Wilmots’ team are 12.00 to win the tournament outright, with hosts France at 4.00 and holders Spain at 6.50.

Hazard has taken some time to settle in Germany since his move from Chelsea but he felt the win over Hertha was an important moment, both for him personally and the team.

He admits he could have scored more goals but was happy not to allow missed chances impact on his confidence.

“That win is a great thing for the team, but also for me,” Hazard said. “I haven’t scored two goals in one match for a long time. I didn’t convert all the chances today, but it did not drag me down and I stayed focused.”