Rangers defender Tuur Rommens has backed teammate Nico Raskin to hold his head high after Belgium's World Cup quarter-final exit to Spain, while admitting he dreams of joining his compatriot on the international stage. The 23-year-old left-back, who has quickly become a fan favourite at Ibrox since arriving from Westerlo in January, also addressed the growing speculation that he could be a candidate for the Rangers captaincy following James Tavernier's departure.
Rommens Backs Raskin After World Cup Heartbreak
Raskin was one of Belgium's standout performers at the tournament, featuring in all six matches and earning a starting spot ahead of Napoli star Kevin de Bruyne after a game-changing substitute appearance against Senegal in the round of 32. However, Belgium's run ended in the quarter-finals when a costly error by Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens gifted Spain a winning goal to Mikel Merino.
Rommens, who captained Belgium's Under-21 side, said: "It was quite disappointing. I think they played a good game until that point. The first half was a little bit less, but the second half was quite OK. Spain are a world-class team and I think it's no shame to lose against them."
Rommens Targets Belgium Call-Up
The full-back, who spent his summer break in Mexico and Spain, hopes his performances at Ibrox will earn him a senior call-up. "It's a dream for every player to represent their country, especially at the World Cup," he said. "I'm very happy for Nico now because he played very well and he fought his way into the team. That's why I also want to come here to play these European games, to have this European campaign with the Rangers."
New Manager Derek McInnes Impresses
Rommens has been impressed by new Rangers boss Derek McInnes, a club legend from the nine-in-a-row era, during the team's pre-season camp in Alicante, Spain. "It is still early under the new coach but I think he has very good opinions on how we want to play the game," Rommens said. "He knows what is needed to win and he will bring that over for us. It's time for us to get it."
The defender acknowledged the disappointment of last season's title-race collapse but said it fuels the hunger for success. "The disappointment can drive you. We were close until a point and then we lost it, so the hunger is there to get it over the line this time."
Captaincy Speculation and Dressing Room Influence
With the captain's armband up for grabs after Tavernier's exit, Rommens has been suggested as a potential successor. However, he insists his approach won't change regardless of the decision. "I'm not the kind of person that speaks a lot in the dressing room. I try to do it on the pitch when we're playing," he said. "It's up to the manager, up to the club. They will decide on the new captain. I'm not behaving in any other way if I'm the captain or not. I'll just try to help people and do my best."
Rommens, who has quickly won over the Ibrox faithful with his storming runs and tenacity, added: "The biggest thing I've learned in my time here is that the pressure is always on. You need to perform every game and the fans will always demand that you win. That's something that for me was new. But I quite enjoy this. I like having the pressure all the time."
Rangers begin their Premiership campaign at Tannadice on July 31, and Rommens is focused on delivering trophies. "For Rangers, you need to win. That's why I always wanted to come here, because I wanted to feel that pressure and I wanted to win every game. It makes you a better player."
