Belgium advanced to the World Cup Round of 16, overcoming an early two-goal deficit against Senegal. Lukaku played a pivotal role, scoring late in normal time to keep Belgium in the contest and help pave the way for Nicolas Jackson and Mamadou Sarr to exit with their teams.
Lukaku’s late strike added depth to Belgium’s attacking options and demonstrated his continued ability to influence important matches. While Jackson did not start the Round of 32 clash, Alonso is likely to assess his form and potential fit for Chelsea in the near term.
Chelsea are reportedly open to reintegrating Jackson into the first-team squad, following his departure on loan and a stint with Bayern Munich that did not result in a permanent move. The versatility Jackson offers—able to operate across the attack—gives Alonso several tactical options as he shapes his plans for the new season.
Pre-season training is due to begin in Australia at the end of the month, providing a window for Jackson to regain match fitness and acclimate to Alonso’s system. Should Jackson remain with Chelsea, he could compete for opportunities across the forward line, challenging current options such as Joao Pedro.
Alonso will need to decide soon on Jackson’s future to avoid missing out on potential targets in the transfer market. An early World Cup exit could accelerate those discussions, allowing the Spaniard to finalize recruitment plans ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Jackson’s tournament arc has been mixed, with his World Cup experience shaping perceptions of his future at Chelsea. Despite the ups and downs, there remains a belief that he could still find a place in Alonso’s squad, provided he continues to develop and adapt to the manager’s tactical approach. Chelsea’s window to strengthen the attacking options remains open, and Alonso’s decisions in the coming weeks will be crucial for the club’s preparations for the new season.
