De Bruyne had no fear over starting berth

BORDEAUX, France (Reuters) - - Kevin de Bruyne said he never feared being dropped by Belgium, even though coach Marc Wilmots had threatened wholesale changes before Saturday’s 3-0 over Ireland at Euro 2016. De Bruyne had been among the players criticised after Belgium’s opening 2-0 defeat by Italy in Group E. But the midfield playmaker bounced back to form in Bordeaux against the Irish. Wilmots has since admitted that he was "bluffing" with his threats.