World Cup 2018: The Belgium XI that won’t feature

Forwards: Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Kevin Mirallas

Poor domestic season cost Benteke his World Cup

Benteke endured a drastic dip in form this season as Crystal Palace fought relegation for large spells of the first-half of the campaign. But even when things started looking on the up for the Eagles, the striker continued to underperform.

In 30 games, Benteke struck just thrice and assisted 5 times. It’s his lowest return in front of goal since leaving Gent in 2013 and was virtually non-existent in the final third.

Origi's performances were subdued under Wolfsburg's relegation scrap

His former Liverpool teammate Divock Origi too, was mired in the relegation mix with German side Wolfsburg. In 31 appearances, he managed 6 goals, including one in the playoffs to help his side retain Bundesliga status.

However, he hasn’t played for Belgium since 2016, which suggests he was never in Martinez’s plans. So it isn’t surprising to see him miss out on a place.

Miralles' move to the lower league lights of Greece might have cost him a place

Kevin Mirallas has disappeared into obscurity ever since he swapped Everton for Greek side Olympiacos in January. In 13 appearances since, he struck twice and assisted twice each, but his time in the Belgium team was always plummeting.

In the recent games, most of his appearances came from the bench and his last cap, the 50th of his international career, came as early as in March when he played Saudi Arabia after coming on as a substitute.

At 30, he’s fast entering the twilight of his career, but given the fact he wasn’t overlooked by Martinez completely in his tenure, does indicate something positive and may be back in the squad soon after the World Cup.