What can you expect from Belgium in Euro 2024?
Belgium’s golden generation has almost come to an end and the last vestiges of the squad will aim for their first international title in the Euros this summer.
Domenico Tedesco – The manager who replaced Roberto Martínez has been tasked with winning the nation’s first silverware with the last remaining stars of the current generation. The squad remains unbeaten in the last 12 games since the Italian-German coach took over last year.
Belgium’s current squad isn’t as their coveted golden generation which means the pressure will be off for Todesco. There are serious questions about their defense. Yet, the forward and midfield have a mix of experience and talent that can surprise any opponent. The squad has been drawn with the likes of Romania, Ukraine and Slovakia, hence we can expect a strong campaign from them.
Die Roten Teufel are still tipped as one of the teams to go all the way this summer. Let’s take a look at the Belgium squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
Goalkeepers
Koen Casteels will be Belgium’s No.1 goalkeeper due to Courtois’ absence. The 31-year-old recently confirmed his transfer to Saudi outfit Al-Qadsiah Football Club on a free transfer.
However, Premier League goalkeepers Thomas Kaminski and Matz Sels could deputize whenever needed.
| Player Name | Club |
| Koen Casteels | Wolfsburg |
| Thomas Kaminski | Luton Town |
| Matz Sels | Nottingham Forest |
Defenders
Belgium’s most capped player with 154 appearances, Jan Vertonghen, is set to play his final international tournament in Germany. The veteran is one of the squad’s most crucial players and could pair up with Rennes’ Arthur Theate in the heart of the defense.
Belgium right-back Timothy Castagne is reportedly an injury doubt and might not travel with the squad although nothing has been confirmed as of now. Since missing out on the World Cup in 2014, Castagne has represented Belgium in the last four major international tournaments.
| Player Name | Club |
| Timothy Castagne | Fulham |
| Wout Faes | Leicester |
| Jan Vertonghen | Anderlecht |
| Arthur Theate | Rennes |
| Thomas Meunier | Trabzonspor |
| Maxim De Cuyper | Club Brugge |
| Zeno Debast | Anderlecht |
Also Read: Netherlands Squad EURO 2024: Who’s in and Who’s out, Key Players and Predicted Lineup
Midfielders
Manchester City’s Kevin de Buryne will easily be the nation’s creator-in-chief after a topsy-turvy season. He’ll anchor the midfield for sure alongside Axel Witsel who have been recalled from retirement last May. The veteran will compete with Amadou Onana, Orel Mangala, Aster Vranckx and Youri Tielemans for a spot in the starting lineup.
| Player Name | Club |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Manchester City |
| Axel Witsel | Atlético Madrid |
| Yannick Carrasco | Al-Shabab |
| Amadou Onana | Everton |
| Orel Mangala | Lyon |
| Youri Tielemans | Aston Villa |
| Arthur Vermeeren | Atlético Madrid |
| Aster Vranckx | Wolfsburg |
Forwards
One can say that Belgium’s attack is one of their strongest points. They have the perfect No.9 in Romelu Lukaku who will be leading the line. Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard are two rapid wingers who are capable of terrorizing the opposition’s defense both from inside and outside.
Dodi Lukebakio and Charles De Ketelaere are surprise additions to the squad. Johan Bakayoko will be tussling with Trossard and Doku for a starting place in any of the two flanks. The 21-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer.
| Player Name | Club |
| Romelu Lukaku | Roma |
| Jérémy Doku | Manchester City |
| Leandro Trossard | Arsenal |
| Lois Openda | RB Leipzig |
| Johan Bakayoko | PSV |
| Dodi Lukebakio | Sevilla |
| Charles De Ketelaere | Atalanta |
Predicted Lineup for Belgium in Euro 2024
Belgium have announced a 25-man squad for Euro 2024 – one less than the number allowed for the tournament. Let’s take a look at the expected XI.
Koen Casteels is the clear choice in between the sticks after Thibaut Courtois missed out on the 25-man squad.
In defense, we expect a four-man setup. Jan Vertonghen has been given regular minutes by the new manager but its unclear whether Wout Faes or Arthur Theate will pair alongside the veteran. Timothy Castagne has a guaranteed spot in the right-back position.
The midfield will have veterans Kevin de Bruyne and Axel Witsel. The former came out of retirement after just one year.
Overall the squad looks solid with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, Axel Witsel, Jérémy Doku, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard.
Belgium’s Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): Koen Casteels (GK); Timothy Castagne, Wout Faes, Jan Vertonghen, Arthur Theate; Amadou Onana, Orel Mangala, Kevin De Bruyne (C); Leandro Trossard, Romelu Lukaku, Jérémy Doku
Players missing for Belgium in UEFA Euro 2024
Belgium will be missing some crucial players this Euro 2024. Let’s look at some of those who won’t be making the trip to Germany.
Real Madrid’s No. 1 shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois tore his ACL during the pre-season last year and only returned to action on May 4th, 2024. But the Belgian won’t be available for the Red Devils due to a reported bust-up with Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco.
Michy Batshuayi is another shock omission after being a regular on the squad since 2015. Injury-plagued Chelsea midfielder Roméo Lavia suffered a setback in his recovery towards the end of the campaign
Eden Hazard’s younger brother Thorgan Hazard sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury back in April and is expected to be sidelined for eight months.
Other players like Dries Mertens, Dennis Praet and Hans Vanaken did not make the final cut.
| Player Name | Club | Reason |
| Thibaut Courtois | Real Madrid | Not selected |
| Michy Batshuayi | Fenerbahçe | Not selected |
| Leander Dendoncker | Napoli | Not selected |
| Thorgan Hazard | Anderlecht | Injury |
| Roméo Lavia | Chelsea | Injury |
| Dries Mertens | Galatasaray | Not selected |
| Alexis Saelemaekers | Bologna | Not selected |
| Dennis Praet | Leicester City | Not selected |
| Hans Vanaken | Club Brugge | Not selected |
Also Read: A tactical preview for Belgium National Football Team playing in EURO 2024