The 35-year-old midfielder, set for a fourth appearance on football's biggest stage, believes his long international career has given him a new perspective.

"It's an honour for me to still be here after playing for the national team for about 16 years," he said. "Hopefully I can play a good tournament and do something well for Belgium."

He added that experience has changed how he approaches major tournaments.

"I think I'm probably at a moment in my career where I can maybe enjoy it more," De Bruyne said. "When you're younger the only thing you want to do is play football and not really be busy with the outside, but now I can have a better reflection of what it means to also represent your country for the fourth time at a World Cup."

He continued: "You are only focused on winning and the next match, but after you have won, it is suddenly over."

De Bruyne arrives at the tournament after a disrupted first season with Napoli, where a serious thigh injury kept him out for several months following his departure from Manchester City.

"I have done everything I could to get fit," he said, "and I feel that way too."

Since returning in March, he has made 10 Serie A appearances and scored in Belgium's 5-0 win over Tunisia, steadily rebuilding rhythm ahead of the tournament.

Belgium continue to lean on their experienced core, including De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois, as they look to bounce back from a group-stage exit in 2022 after finishing third in 2018.

The midfielder also pointed to the influence of winger Jeremy Doku as a key attacking threat.

"Defending Jeremy for 90 minutes is impossible," he said. "He has also become more efficient over the past year. He has found more moments where he can choose his situations. To play a top tournament, we need a good Doku."

"In any case, he is already making my life easier."

Belgium's opener also brings a reunion with Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, a long-time Premier League rival from Manchester City and Liverpool battles.

"I've played against Mo for 10 years," De Bruyne said. "Our kids also went to the same school too so I saw him from time to time, he's a really nice guy. It will be nice to see him, it will be nice to compete again like old times."

Belgium have also confirmed defender Zeno Debast will remain with the squad despite an injury, though he is not expected to feature early in the tournament.

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