Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin was named in Belgium’s starting XI for their World Cup group match against Iran in Los Angeles.
The confirmed team news gave Raskin a significant international platform before Derek McInnes begins shaping his first Rangers midfield.
The Guardian’s match centre listed Raskin in Belgium’s midfield, with Rudi Garcia making changes from the side that drew with Egypt.
Rangers had already highlighted Raskin among their World Cup representatives, with the club’s official preview placing Belgium in Group G alongside Egypt, Iran and New Zealand.
Raskin Start Gives Rangers Timely Midfield Checkpoint
For Rangers, this is more than a nice tournament footnote.
Raskin’s future has been a live Ibrox discussion during a summer of managerial change. A World Cup start against Iran puts his form, fitness and decision-making under a sharper light.
ReadRangers has already looked at why Derek McInnes’ first Rangers rebuild needs speed, standards and authority, and Raskin’s midfield role will sit near the heart of that discussion.
McInnes will inherit a midfield that needs clarity quickly.
Raskin starting for Belgium does not settle any transfer question by itself, but it does raise the value of the conversation around him.
Belgium were held to a 0-0 draw by Iran, leaving Group G finely balanced heading into the final round of fixtures.
Belgium finish their group against New Zealand on 27 June. Before that, the Iran match gave Rangers another useful read on where one of their most important midfield assets stands heading into pre-season.
