Ferdinand hails Lukaku's Brazil display

Lukaku has often been criticised for failing to perform on the big occasion, but that was proven incorrect as he formed part of an irresistible attacking trio alongside Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne.

The Manchester United man laid on De Bruyne's goal, driving into opposition territory from deep in his own half before laying the ball into the path of the playmaker to find the bottom corner with a howitzer.

The former Anderlecht man's physicality proved too much for the Brazilians throughout, with Ferdinand likeing it to an adult playing against kids.

"It's like playing in the school playground and you have a 16-year-old playing against the 11-year-olds, It's like that he's too big and too strong for everyone," Ferdinand told the 'BBC'.

"He shouldn't be allowed to play with them almost!"

Fellow former England international Ala n Shearer was similarly impressed, saying: "Ive been very, very impressed with him. Pace, power, touch, strength, technique, bringing people into the game and he's played that role very well because he's been asked to do a different one - to pull out wide a little bit to create space for (Eden) Hazard or De Bruyne.

"You could tell after four or five minutes when the ball went up to him you thought, 'he's in the mood tonight,' I think this is one of the best 45 minutes we've seen of Lukaku. 

"Once he's got that yard in front of you you're not catching him because he's that quick and too strong. All he needs is the goal and you've got the perfect centre-forward performance."