How “level-headed” Senne Lammens rebuilt his confidence after costly World Cup error | OneFootball

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Senne Lammens‘ response to his World Cup error has been detailed by Belgian media.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper received support from his family, United and his team-mates before beginning the new season in encouraging form, according to HLN.

The mistake which ended Belgium’s World Cup run

Belgium were eliminated by Spain in Los Angeles on 10 July after losing their quarter-final 2-1. Lammens spilled Pau Cubarsí’s shot, allowing Mikel Merino to score the decisive goal.

The goalkeeper left the SoFi Stadium wearing headphones and did not speak to the media, with the mistake understandably hitting him hard.

Belgium goalkeeping coach Guy Martens reviewed the incident with Lammens the following day. Their analysis concluded that spilling the initial effort was not the biggest error; Lammens should instead have dived at Merino’s feet when attempting to recover.

The Belgian football federation retained its faith in him, while Courtois backed his fellow goalkeeper to respond positively. Courtois said: “I know this is a sh-t feeling for him. But Senne is an excellent goalkeeper and he has personality. He will come out of this stronger.”

United support and an early Carrington return

Lammens spent time with his parents, brother and girlfriend Vanessa immediately after the defeat. He then remained in the United States for a holiday which included visits to Los Angeles and New York, before travelling to Lake Lucerne in Switzerland to hike and play golf.

A source within the Belgian federation said Lammens had not withdrawn after the setback: “He is realistic in life. In euphoria as well as difficult periods, he remains level-headed.”

The source added that the goalkeeper invariably chooses to move forward rather than dwell on difficult moments, pointing to the mental strength required to play for Manchester United.

Lammens was expected back at training on Monday, 3 August, but instead reported four days early on 30 July. That was only 20 days after Belgium’s quarter-final exit.

United had publicly told the goalkeeper to keep his head up, while he also received messages from team-mates. Harry Maguire gave Lammens a warm embrace when he returned, illustrating the support waiting for him in Manchester.

Lammens steps up for club and country

The past year has brought a rapid rise for Lammens, who moved from Royal Antwerp to United before reaching the last eight of the World Cup with Belgium.

His start to the club season has included several excellent saves despite United’s wider struggles, although another awkward concession against Fulham attracted criticism from former Red Devils midfielder Paul Scholes.

Scholes said: “For me, Lammens is not world class.” However, Carl Hoefkens offered a more positive assessment after watching the goalkeeper’s development through different age groups at Club Brugge.

Hoefkens said Lammens’ displays for United reflected the goalkeeper he had known at Club and backed him to receive enough opportunities to make amends for the Spain error.

Courtois’ break means Lammens is now in line to operate as Belgium’s number one. Federation staff have found him relaxed and slightly more vocal in camp, while the presence of Mark van Bommel — the coach who launched him at Antwerp — should provide further familiarity.

Lammens’ response has been measured rather than dramatic: time with family, a detailed review and an early return to work. His performances for United and Belgium will now determine whether the Spain setback becomes merely a difficult chapter in an otherwise impressive rise.

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