Belgium attacker Kevin De Bruyne has claimed that his team will have to be at their best to overcome Republic of Ireland in Saturday's Euro 2016 Group E clash in Bordeaux.

Belgium will enter the match off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Italy in their group opener, while Republic of Ireland claimed a point in their 1-1 draw with Sweden.

De Bruyne has paid tribute to the 'togetherness' in the Irish camp and insists that his side will not underestimate Martin O'Neill's troops this weekend.

"Ireland have done well. Their style of play can cause a lot of problems and I think is difficult for any rival. Even before the tournament I said this was the key game because it could decide the group," the Manchester City attacker told reporters.

"The physical power of the Irish players and their results in qualifying show the level of the team has risen a lot. They're very dangerous - they are the silent outsider in this group. We have to beware. They have a lot of unity and that's a big virtue in the team."

Belgium are currently competing in their first European Championship since Euro 2000.

Written by
Matt Law