Roberto Martinez has signed a two-year contract extension to remain as Belgium head coach until 2020.

Belgium, preparing for the World Cup in Russia at which they will face group games against Panama, Tunisia and England, announced the former Everton boss’s new deal on Friday morning.

Belgian Red Devils tweeted a picture of the smiling Spaniard with the newly signed contract and wrote: “Signed ! #2MoreYears #REDTOGETHER ???? #WorldCup”

The 44-year-old was appointed in August 2016, three months after his Goodison Park dismissal, tasked with replacing Marc Wilmots, who left soon after his side’s Euro 2016 quarter-final loss to Wales.

Belgium had also reached the last eight at the 2014 World Cup under Wilmots before losing to Argentina and were among the favourites to become European champions two years later.

The Red Devils were second in FIFA’s world rankings when Martinez took up the reins, and he oversaw an unbeaten World Cup qualification campaign with nine wins and one draw in the group stage.

They now lie third in the rankings, behind world champions Germany and Brazil.

Roberto Martinez lifted the 2013 FA Cup as Wigan manager
Roberto Martinez lifted the 2013 FA Cup as Wigan manager (Dave Thompson/PA)

Martinez began his managerial career in 2007 after arriving in Britain from his native Spain to play for Wigan, Motherwell, Walsall, Swansea and Chester.

He took Swansea into the Championship before accepting the opportunity to take over Premier League Wigan in 2009.

Wigan won the FA Cup under Martinez in 2013 but were relegated a few days later and the Spaniard went to Everton.