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Belgium played as a team against Ireland - goal scorer Romelu Lukaku

Belgium forward Romelu Lukaku credited his team with a united display after scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

There had been reports of a bust-up in Belgium training following the team's opening game defeat to Italy, but Marc Wilmots' side registered the joint-biggest winning margin of the tournament as Lukaku scored a brace in a convincing victory.

"We had to react as a team, as a group and everybody did their job," Lukaku said. "We need to improve, because we have a difficult game coming up [against Sweden].

"You're dealing with a lot of personalities and everybody wants to win, so in training players give their all sometimes, so there are discussions, but it's normal.

"If you want to be a big side everybody needs to be on the same page. We can only look forward.

"I'm very happy for the team, you know," added Lukaku. "I think it was very important for us to win today -- to deliver a good performance after the game against Italy, which was a setback.

"Sometimes you need a setback because we have a young squad. We knew that Italy's a good side -- they showed it against us.

"Now we are awake and have to become even better after the performance of today."

Lukaku, 23, was heavily criticised in Belgium for his performance against Italy, but was keen to credit his colleagues for an improved display against Ireland.

"I think the most important thing is the team," Lukaku said. "You know with the players that I play with, I always know that I can get a chance. So for me it's just about making the right runs and just being positive like the rest of my team mates are."

Everton forward Lukaku had earlier been reported as saying that "a lot of clubs are interested" in signing him this summer, but that his club future would wait until after the tournament.

Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel, who survived a midfield selection shake-up to start against Ireland, echoed the striker's thoughts as he spoke to reporters after the game in Bordeaux.

"Today the whole team played really well, which was really needed for us after a difficult week," Witsel said. "But we played really well today, everyone in the team can be happy with their performance.

"Our goal was to take the three points, and in the next game against Sweden we have to play the same. The fans really helped us, we've got great fans and we thank them for their support. This win is for them."

Belgium can secure a place in the knockout stages with a win over Sweden in their final group game on Wednesday, while Ireland will need to beat confirmed Group E winners Italy in their last match to stand a chance of progressing to the round of 16.

"Belgium are a good team but we still have a big chance against Italy," Ireland captain John O'Shea said. "We have to take the positives from today and our performance against Sweden. If we do that, then with a bit more discipline and control we can get something."