The trip to the Far East will mark Wilmots' fourth World Cup.

However, many observers believe he is living on borrowed time and off his reputation.

Now 33 years old, he lacks the same pace, panache and passing skills which have made him stand out as playmaker and goalscorer for Belgium over the last 10 years.

The simple problem is that there is no one at present to replace him.

Some of his greatest moments have come at club level, most notoriously when he scored four goals on the way to a UEFA Cup final.

But he has looked a little sluggish this season and in the recent warm-up matches.

He will retire from international football after the World Cup.