Looking for the latest Belgium Football Team Roster? This article provides an in-depth look at the Belgium squad for Euro 2024, analyzing the team’s strengths, weaknesses, key players, and expectations. Stay informed about the Red Devils and their quest for success. Discover more at CAUHOI2025.UK.COM. Explore Belgian football, Belgium national team, and Euro 2024 squad.
1. Introduction: The Red Devils’ New Chapter
Belgium’s national football team, affectionately known as the Red Devils, has entered a new era under manager Domenico Tedesco. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, the team aims to make a significant impact in Euro 2024. This article delves into the Belgium football team roster, dissecting the squad’s composition and potential. Many stars from the “Golden Generation” have been moved on, leaving many people to question whether the new influx of talent can perform at the same level or better.
2. Domenico Tedesco: A New Era for Belgium
After the tenures of Marc Wilmots and Roberto Martinez, which yielded no major trophies despite the presence of Belgium’s “Golden Generation,” Domenico Tedesco has been tasked with leading the national team to its first major silverware. Tedesco’s approach involves integrating young talent while leveraging the experience of remaining stars.
Since taking over in February 2023, Belgium hasn’t lost a game under Tedesco, who typically employs a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. His managerial career began at age 31.
2.1 Tedesco’s Early Career
Tedesco made a name for himself by rescuing FC Erzgebirge Aue in 2017 and subsequently leading Schalke from 10th to second place in his first top-flight season. However, Schalke’s fortunes declined, leading to relegation in 2021.
2.2 Short Tenures and International Call-Up
Tedesco’s stints at Spartak Moscow (14 months) and RB Leipzig (10 months) were cut short due to Covid-19 and poor league form, respectively. His entry into international football was unexpected, but he has made bold decisions, such as excluding Champions League winner Thibaut Courtois.
2.3 The Courtois Controversy
Tedesco publicly criticized Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for his reaction to not being named captain in place of the injured Kevin De Bruyne. Courtois cited a “breach of trust,” leading to a public dispute. Despite Courtois’ recovery from an ACL injury, he remains out of the international setup.
Tedesco is committed to introducing new talent, with only 10 of the 26 players from Euro 2020 remaining in the squad. Experienced players like Dries Mertens and Michy Batshuayi have been phased out, highlighting Tedesco’s focus on youth.
Domenico Tedesco leading Belgium since February 2023.
3. Key Players to Watch
The Belgium football team roster boasts a mix of established stars and rising prospects, each contributing unique skills to the squad.
3.1 Johan Bakayoko: The Rising Star
PSV winger Johan Bakayoko is an electrifying player with exceptional athleticism and dribbling skills. On the right flank, he blends speed and precise footwork, making him a threat in open spaces and tight areas.
Bakayoko has set ambitious goals, stating his desire to be close to winning the Ballon d’Or in the next five years. His rapid development suggests this ambition is within reach.
Nottingham Forest attempted to sign him for £30 million last summer, but he chose to stay at PSV. His decision was validated by a significant increase in performance, jumping from 24 starts, seven goals, and six assists in 2022-23 to 44 starts, 14 goals, and 14 assists this season.
Bakayoko debuted for Belgium in March 2023 and has since earned 11 caps, signaling his potential to become one of Europe’s leading players.
3.2 Kevin De Bruyne: The Maestro
Kevin De Bruyne, the Manchester City midfielder, remains a pivotal figure in the Belgium squad. His vision, passing range, and goal-scoring ability make him a constant threat.
3.3 Romelu Lukaku: The Goalscorer
Romelu Lukaku, currently playing for Roma on loan from Chelsea, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record. With 83 goals in 114 caps, he is Belgium’s all-time leading scorer and a key player in major international finals.
3.4 Lois Openda: The Rising Striker
RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda is pushing Lukaku for a starting spot, having scored 24 goals in 34 Bundesliga games this season. His pace and clinical finishing make him a valuable asset.
4. Strengths of the Belgium Squad
Tedesco is likely to build his midfield around Everton’s Amadou Onana and Lyon’s Orel Mangala, providing a solid base. The attacking third offers diverse profiles, allowing for tactical flexibility.
4.1 Attacking Versatility
De Bruyne will likely play as the No. 10, supported by rapid wingers Jeremy Doku and Bakayoko, who can challenge opposition full-backs both inside and outside.
Charles De Ketelaere from Atalanta, known for his elegant attacking midfield skills, offers another playmaking option. Leandro Trossard of Arsenal provides versatility across the forward line, capable of playing any supporting role or as a false nine. Yannick Carrasco offers similar utility.
4.2 Proven Goal-Scoring Ability
With Lukaku’s impressive international record and Openda’s rising profile, Belgium possesses significant firepower up front.
5. Weaknesses and Areas of Concern
Belgium’s defense has undergone significant changes with the retirement of key players and the overlooking of experienced defenders.
5.1 Defensive Concerns
The retirements of Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen, coupled with the omission of Toby Alderweireld, have left a void in the defense. Jan Vertonghen, at 37, is the only remaining member of the old guard.
Concerns exist about the pairing of Vertonghen and Leicester’s Wout Faes against top opposition, as they may lack the athleticism needed for a high defensive line.
5.2 Team in Transition
Tedesco’s teams are known for balance and cohesion, but glimpses of transition were evident in the 2-2 draw against England. Timothy Castagne is the preferred right-back, while Arthur Theate has been creatively used as a hybrid left-back.
The recall of Axel Witsel from retirement highlights a lack of top-level options, even though he now primarily plays as a centre-back for Atletico Madrid.
Belgium has a lot of strengths but there are weaknesses as well.
6. The Unique Aspect of Team Communication
Belgium, a country with three official languages (French, Flemish, and German), faces communication challenges within the national team.
6.1 English as the Common Language
To overcome this, the Belgium camp has adopted English as the common language. This is facilitated by the fact that many players are exposed to top leagues early in their careers, reinforcing their English skills both at school and at the club level.
6.2 Limited Home-Based Players
Only three players from Belgium’s home league are in the squad: Zeno Debast and Jan Vertonghen from Anderlecht, and Maxim De Cuyper from Club Bruges. In contrast, Croatia, another nation known for selling top players early, has nine players from their home league in their squad.
7. Expectations and FIFA Ranking
Belgium enters Euro 2024 as the world No. 3, according to FIFA’s world rankings. Since July 2014, they have consistently remained in the top five, briefly dropping out between April and August 2017.
7.1 Underachievements in Major Tournaments
Belgium first reached No. 1 in 2015, becoming the only nation to top the FIFA world rankings without winning a World Cup or continental trophy. Despite their high ranking, their performances in major tournaments have often fallen short of expectations.
Belgium finished third at the 2018 World Cup, defeating Brazil in the quarter-final before losing to France in the semi-final. However, they were knocked out in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 and Euro 2020, and they underperformed at the 2022 World Cup, exiting in the group stage.
7.2 Euro 2024 Expectations
Belgium is in a favorable group with Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine. Failing to top the group would be a disappointment. If they can use these games to find a settled team and formula, their individual quality could propel them deep into the tournament.
8. Belgium’s Euro 2024 Squad
Here is the confirmed Belgium football team roster for Euro 2024:
Goalkeepers:
- Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg)
- Thomas Kaminski (Luton Town)
- Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)
Defenders:
- Timothy Castagne (Fulham)
- Zeno Debast (Anderlecht)
- Maxim De Cuyper (Club Bruges)
- Wout Faes (Leicester City)
- Thomas Meunier (Trabzonspor)
- Arthur Theate (Rennes)
- Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht)
Midfielders:
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
- Orel Mangala (Lyon)
- Amadou Onana (Everton)
- Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)
- Arthur Vermeeren (Atletico Madrid)
- Aster Vranckx (Wolfsburg)
- Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid)
Forwards:
- Johan Bakayoko (PSV)
- Yannick Carrasco (Al Shabab)
- Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta)
- Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
- Romelu Lukaku (Roma, on loan from Chelsea)
- Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla)
- Lois Openda (RB Leipzig)
- Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
Belgium is hoping to use individual quality to make a deep run.
9. FAQ: Belgium Football Team Roster
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Belgium football team roster and their prospects for Euro 2024:
Q1: Who is the manager of the Belgium national team?
A1: Domenico Tedesco is the current manager of the Belgium national team.
Q2: Who are the key players in the Belgium squad for Euro 2024?
A2: Key players include Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, Johan Bakayoko, and Lois Openda.
Q3: What formation does Tedesco typically use for Belgium?
A3: Tedesco typically sets up his team in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
Q4: How many players from the Euro 2020 squad are still in the team?
A4: Only 10 of the 26 players from the Euro 2020 squad remain in the current team.
Q5: What is Belgium’s FIFA ranking heading into Euro 2024?
A5: Belgium enters Euro 2024 as the world No. 3, according to FIFA’s world rankings.
Q6: What are Belgium’s chances in Euro 2024?
A6: Belgium is in a favorable group and has the potential to go deep in the tournament if they can find a settled team and formula.
Q7: Why was Thibaut Courtois excluded from the squad?
A7: Courtois was excluded due to a public dispute with manager Domenico Tedesco following a disagreement over the captaincy.
Q8: What is the common language used within the Belgium squad?
A8: English is the common language used within the Belgium squad to overcome communication challenges.
Q9: Who are some of the new talents in the Belgium squad?
A9: Johan Bakayoko, Lois Openda, and Arthur Vermeeren are among the new talents in the Belgium squad.
Q10: What are the main strengths of the Belgium squad?
A10: The main strengths include attacking versatility, proven goal-scoring ability, and a solid midfield base.
10. Conclusion: A Promising Future for the Red Devils?
The Belgium football team roster for Euro 2024 represents a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Under the guidance of Domenico Tedesco, the Red Devils aim to overcome past disappointments and achieve success on the international stage. With key players like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and rising stars like Johan Bakayoko, Belgium has the potential to make a significant impact.
Despite defensive concerns and a team in transition, Belgium’s strengths in attack and midfield provide a solid foundation. As they navigate a favorable group in Euro 2024, the Red Devils have the opportunity to find a settled team and formula, potentially leading to a deep run in the tournament. Keep up with CAUHOI2025.UK.COM for continuous coverage.
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