Jan Vertonghen says he has found it hard not to tease his English Tottenham teammates after Belgium’s victory over the Three Lions at the World Cup.
Belgium beat England 2-0 in the final group stage game before both nations went on to reach the semi-finals, losing to France and Croatia respectively.
Both sides rested a number of key players in the group stage meeting, but Vertonghen says that hasn’t stopped him from having a joke with the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Danny Rose.
“I occasionally share a joke with the English in our team, they have a slightly less big mouth now (laughs),” Vertonghen told De Morgen (via Sport Witness).
“I nevertheless decided not to let them down, teasing a lot, but occasionally it’s hard to leave it.
“Even with Lloris I talked about Russia for a while, France won the World Cup, they had a very strong team. We were perhaps the most attractive country, but that does not always win, and we need to be aware of that.”
Eric Dier and Kieran Trippier were also part of England’s World Cup side, both producing memorable moments during the tournament.
Vertonghen was joined by Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembele for the Red Devils.
Tottenham’s season got off to the perfect start with three succesive victories against Newcastle United, Fulham and Manchester United.
But Sunday’s defeat at Watford means Spurs will be desperate for all three points when they face Liverpool at Wembley next weekend.
