Belgium’s second string took the opportunity of a rare start to impress coach Roberto Martinez by beating Belarus 8-0 in their World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

With Martinez’s warning the players were on watch for places in the Euro 2020 squad, Michy Batshuayi, Hans Vanaken, Leandro Trossard, Jeremy Doku, Denis Praet and Christian Benteke all scored as Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens received the night off.

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He took Belgium to seven points after their opening trio in Group E, while Belarus suffered their first loss after opening their qualifying bid with a 4-2 victory over Estonia at the weekend.

Belgium, at the top of the FIFA rankings, led 4-0 at halftime in Den Dreef as they inflicted the heaviest defeat in Belarus history.

Batshuayi hit the opener from a tight angle in the 14th minute, followed three minutes later by Vanenken’s first international goal as he made it home from close range.

Trossard opened his national team account with a powerful shot in the far corner in the 38th. Four minutes later, a breakaway from Jeremy Doku ended with aplomb by the young striker.

Praet made it 5-0 four minutes into the second half with a shot from outside the penalty area before substitute Benteke pivoted to slam home on the fly after a long pass in defense of Toby Alderweireld.

That strike in the 70th minute was followed by a second for Trossard five minutes later.

With two minutes remaining, Vanaken was set up by Adnan Januzaj for his second of the night to complete the rout, easily overtaking Belarus’ heaviest previous loss, 5-0 to Austria.