Staying put: Vermaelen is committed to Arsenal

 'I have not seen a national team more motivated than we are now. We were unlucky in the past but now we will do it for sure.'

Captain Kompany typifies the spirit and determination. The City defender is struggling to be fit for the England friendly after breaking down 30 minutes into yesterday's training session, but refuses to give up on his chances of playing at Wembley.

Roberto Mancini may not welcome the sentiment but, rather than disappear on holiday, Kompany will travel to London with the squad and give himself until the last minute to be fit.

Due to their lowly ranking (44th in the world), Belgium have a tricky World Cup draw with Croatia, Serbia, Scotland, Wales and Macedonia in the same group but their well of talent extends beyond Chelsea and the Premier League.

Top clubs are watching Axel Witsel at Benfica. Steven Defour, close to a move to Manchester United until a serious injury, has recaptured his form at Porto. And Tottenham and Arsenal are among those competing to sign Ajax defender Jan Vertonghen.

Vermaelen, who left Ajax for Arsenal three years ago,  told the Belgian media that he wants to stay at the Emirates.

'I will stay at Arsenal for ever,' he said. 'There will be no transfer for me.'

So, here come the Belgians in Europe's transfer market, a game without frontiers, but first to Wembley intent on alerting a wider audience to their potential by upsetting Hodgson's plans.

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