Belgium's Toby Alderweireld braced for Long afternoon with Shane

With the weight of the nation resting on Belgium tomorrow, defender Toby Alderweireld really could do without the sight of Shane Long lurking on his shoulder.

The Spurs defender’s uncharacteristic blunder contributed to Italy’s opener in their 2-0 win over the Belgians on Monday and he’s well aware from his Premier League experience that Long is capable of inflicting further embarrassment on him.

Only five weeks ago, the Tipperary man gave Alderweireld and compatriot Jan Vertonghen the runaround at White Hart Lane as Southampton mothballed their prospects of Spurs towards usurping Leicester City for the title on the run-in Belgium’s 0defensive frailties were exposed by Italy and Alderweireld is already prepared for what Ireland and Long have in mind for the nations’ second game of Euro 2016 Group E.