Belgium Euro 2024 squad
Belgium Euro 2024 squad: Belgium heads into Euro 2024 with a mix of experience and youthful promise, aiming to challenge for the trophy despite the departure of some legendary players.
Golden Generation Fades, New Era Dawns
The "Red Devils" were a force to be reckoned with in recent years, boasting a squad brimming with talent. However, their golden generation, including Eden Hazard, Toby Alderweireld, and Vincent Kompany, have moved on. This Euros marks a new chapter for manager Domenico Tedesco and his team, with lowered expectations but a determined spirit.
Squad Selection Hints at Ambition
Tedesco opted for a 25-man squad, deviating from the allowed 26 players. This emphasizes his focus on team spirit and established relationships within the group. Key figures like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku remain, offering experience and leadership.
Veterans Return, Youngsters Rise
There's a strategic blend of experience and youth. The inclusion of 37-year-old Jan Vertonghen alongside the returning Axel Witsel bolsters the backline. Young talents like Manchester City's Jeremy Doku and Arsenal's Leandro Trossard provide attacking firepower. The inclusion of teenage midfielder Arthur Vermeeren hints at Tedesco's vision for the future.
Unique Squad Size Explained
The standard quota for Euro 2024 squads is 26 players. Belgium's decision to go with 25 is unusual. This can be attributed to wanting to maintain a strong team spirit and avoiding unnecessary disappointment for players on the fringes.
| Position | Player Name | Club | Age | Caps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GK | Koen Casteels | Wolfsburg (GER) | 31 | 10 |
| GK | Thomas Kaminski | Luton Town (ENG) | 31 | 1 |
| GK | Matz Sels | Nottingham Forest (ENG) | 32 | 8 |
| DEF | Timothy Castagne | Fulham (ENG) | 28 | 43 |
| DEF | Zeno Debast | Anderlecht (BEL) | 20 | 8 |
| DEF | Maxim De Cuyper | Club Brugge (BEL) | 23 | 2 |
| DEF | Wout Faes | Leicester City (ENG) | 26 | 15 |
| DEF | Thomas Meunier | Trabzonspor (BEL) | 32 | 66 |
| DEF | Arthur Theate | Rennes (FRA) | 24 | 15 |
| DEF | Jan Vertonghen | Anderlecht (BEL) | 37 | 154 |
| DEF | Axel Witsel | Atletico Madrid (SPA) | 35 | 132 |
| MID | Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City (ENG) | 32 | 101 |
| MID | Yannick Carrasco | Al Shabab (KSA) | 30 | 74 |
| MID | Charles De Ketelaere | Atalanta (ITA) | 23 | 15 |
| MID | Amadou Onana | Everton (ENG) | 22 | 13 |
| MID | Youri Tielemans | Aston Villa (ENG) | 27 | 67 |
| MID | Arthur Vermeeren | Atletico Madrid (SPA) | 19 | 4 |
| MID | Aster Vranckx | Wolfsburg (GER) | 21 | 7 |
| FWD | Johan Bakayoko | PSV (NED) | 21 | 12 |
| FWD | Jeremy Doku | Manchester City (ENG) | 22 | 22 |
| FWD | Romelu Lukaku | Roma (ITA) | 31 | 115 |
| FWD | Dodi Lukebakio | Sevilla (SPA) | 26 | 15 |
| FWD | Lois Openda | RB Leipzig (GER) | 24 | 17 |
| FWD | Leandro Trossard | Arsenal (ENG) | 29 | 34 |
Replacement Rules and Upcoming Matches
The preliminary squad deadline was May 21st, with the final list submitted on June 7th. Injuries or illnesses can still prompt replacements until June 13th. Once the tournament begins, teams must rely solely on their 25-man squad. Belgium's journey kicks off against Slovakia on June 17th, followed by matches against Romania and Ukraine.
Key Match Schedule
- June 17th, 6 PM CET: Belgium vs Slovakia (Frankfurt, Deutsche Bank Park)
- June 22nd, 9 PM CET: Belgium vs Romania (Cologne, RheinEnergieStadion)
- June 26th, 6 PM CET: Belgium vs Ukraine (Stuttgart, MHPArena)
This revamped Belgian squad carries the hopes of a nation eager for their first major international trophy. Their Euros campaign promises exciting football with a blend of experience and youthful exuberance.
Henry
just love writing about football and playing video games, love my quiet time also. contact me @ [email protected]
