World Cup 2018: Christian Benteke tipping Belgium to win it - even if he's not in the squad to see it

The striker's place in Roberto Martinez's final 23 for Russia is in doubt after a barren season in front of goal for Crystal Palace

Benteke is backing Belgium to succeed in Russia this summer (AFP)

Christian Benteke is tipping Belgium to win the World Cup whether he is in the squad or not.

The Crystal Palace striker has endured a barren season in front of goal, scoring just three times in 30 appearance, and as a result hasn't started for the Eagles since March.

His place in Roberto Martinez's final 23 for Russia also appears in doubt and the 27-year-old has no idea if he will feature during the summer but, nevertheless, thinks his countrymen have the chance of winning the World Cup.

"I think we have to try to go to the end because with the squad that we got we've got a great chance to win this tournament. It won't be easy but we have to be ambitious.

"We know [we have quality] but it's not just all about [Hazard and De Bruyne] it's about the team. I think in every position we look good so hopefully we can have a good tournament."

Benteke hasn't started for his country for over a year - since netting twice in a 3-3 draw ironically in Russia - and after failing to score anywhere near the 17 goals he got in his previous season at Palace and missing three months of the season with a medial ligament injury, he is just keen to put this disastrous campaign to bed.

A prolific month in Russia this summer would help do that, but the Eagles striker is all-too aware he may miss out.

He added: "I think since I'm in England it's my first season where I haven't scored the amount I wanted to score, but that's the part of football and part of the toughness of the Premier league. I just want to rest myself and just get ready for the next season.

"I'm going to wait for the list for the World Cup and hopefully I can go, but if not I'm just going to take my time off, rest myself and go again [next season]."

Benteke came off the bench again towards the the end of Palace's 2-0 final day win over West Brom; a result that sees them finish 11th despite losing the first seven games of the season without scoring.

Benteke struggled in front of goal for Palace this term (Getty)

Manager Roy Hodgson soaked up the plaudits from the fans after the game for turning his local team's fortunes around and Benteke agreed, adding that the 70-year-old had made the Eagles "stronger, harder to beat" and that "when we are on form it's hard to beat us".

Meanwhile, Palace team-mate Pape Souare is also hoping to feature at the World Cup for Senegal but after tasting his first Premier League minutes for almost 18 months following a car accident that broke his thigh and jaw bone, isn't counting his chickens.

"I don't really know because I don't think the list is out right now so I'm just waiting for this to come out," the left-back who has played just 163 minutes of club football this season, mostly in cup competitions, said.

"It would mean a lot [to go to the World Cup]. It's been a lot to come on the pitch at the end today so going to Russia is just a bonus for me as well. I can't wait to see if I go or not."