Former Belgium striker Marc Degryse believes Manchester City ace Kevin de Bruyne is being overworked by the national team.

Degryse insists De Bruyne should never have been considered for the internationals last month against England, Ivory Coast and Iceland.

He explained, "He should have considered - in consultation - not to be present at those matches.

“He has such a status ... (Thibaut) Courtois also went back to Madrid, (Eden) Hazard was not there. De Bruyne had previously clearly indicated that he was mentally not fresh, that his vacation was too short and that he needed time to recover.

"Agreed, he did not play against Ivory Coast, but he had been doing nothing for a whole week. I think it's a missed opportunity, he could have recharged his batteries during that period."