Belgium have confirmed their squad for this month's Euros, and unusually have only picked a 25-man squad to go to Germany.
Boss Domenico Tedesco has declined to utilise the full limit of players and will go into the finals one player short of the 26-man squad.
It had been thought that Tedesco may hand either Arne Engels or Mandela Keita the final place, after the two young players trained with the national team this week, but he has confirmed he decision to stick to the original 25.
'We have decided to go to the European Championship with 25.' Tedesco said.
'It's all about the group spirit. I didn't want to disappoint a young player. I have always been clear that we would go to Germany with 25.'
The Belgium manager has also included defenders Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate despite fears over their fitness.
Former Spurs centre-back Vertonghen is struggle with groin issue, while Theate has an ankle problem, but Tedesco believes they will play some part in the tournament.
He said: 'It won't be long before Vertonghen is back. Of course it is not easy for him to be on the sidelines, but he is an important player in our selection.'
Belgium go into the finals with a more youthful looking squad, having now moved on from most of the country's 'golden generation'.
Kevin De Bruyne remains, and will captain the side in Germany, as does Romelu Lukaku, but there's still no place in the squad for Thibaut Courtois.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper wasn't part of the provisional squad, having missed most of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
However, the former Chelsea man returned to club football in April and starred in Real's Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.
There has been reports of a falling out between the goalkeeper and coach, after Tesdeco said in April that Courtois would not be fully fit to play at the tournament.
Belgium will play in Group E at Euro 2024, where they'll open their campaign against Slovakia before facing Ukraine and Romania.
GaddafiJamal
0
Stupid decision by the coach. Anyways, This could be good for RM, Cuortois will have enough time to heal and get back to 101% health. He’s already the best GK in the world. He’ll help RM dominate the world again next season. Belgium won’t win the Euros with such a stupid coach anyways.
Which Year Did Belgium Win Euros With Courtois In Goal? I’ll Wait🤡😂😂💔🤦♂️
GaddafiJamal
0
Every European nation who qualifies Should be brought 26 players not 25,yours stupid decisions will not take you anywhere and not selecting Courtois,That means your right leg is out of the door and your left leg will fallow,After the euro you no longer be the coach of Belgium 🇧🇪 national team.
They’ve Sent Him Many Times? Did They Win It? Abeg Rest🤡😂
pythagorasofficial
0
Witsel is a DM not defender
Yes he is a natural DM. He’s being used often in the defense by Athletico Madrid, but with 3 man defense. Belgium is playing 4 man defense.
vecabcky
2
Every European nation who qualifies Should be brought 26 players not 25,yours stupid decisions will not take you anywhere and not selecting Courtois,That means your right leg is out of the door and your left leg will fallow,After the euro you no longer be the coach of Belgium 🇧🇪 national team.
Yuuelmry
1
Coach settling scores with Courtois.What a pity?fit Courtois not included in Belgium squad list for Euro
Don Zayo
0
Am I seeing things when Axel Witsel was played in defense? He's too slow. Attackers ran past him and got the ball. I hope Belgium has got their act together, my money is on them to win it all.
Witsel is a DM not defender
Kril5150
0
Tedesco he thinks he's clever
Kooadelntu
0
Am I seeing things when Axel Witsel was played in defense? He's too slow. Attackers ran past him and got the ball. I hope Belgium has got their act together, my money is on them to win it all.
Dejiroyal
3
Stupid decision by the coach. Anyways, This could be good for RM, Cuortois will have enough time to heal and get back to 101% health. He’s already the best GK in the world. He’ll help RM dominate the world again next season. Belgium won’t win the Euros with such a stupid coach anyways.
Yawdknorsu
1
It’s because he has an easy group.
yeseinoptu
0
Since he did not want to disappoint those young stars, why did he not go with the Madrid keeper?
seyceinosy
0
what no sense of this ,the man who was first choice for UEFA champions league ,is out of fit kkkkk kkkkk plz bring coaches like pep
Riuadisty
1
He is not fit to play Euro but was the best in the UCL final! Ego kills the game!
Ziebcdeimp
0
Disrespectful coach , we know not all players will get minutes but for a young player to go and have that experience off field alone is great , it’s not about taking part in the field of play.
Ziebcdeimp
0
Disrespectful coach , we know not all players will get minutes but for a young player to go and have that experience off field alone is great , it’s not about taking part in the field of play. Stupid coach
BLKBtl
0
If they couldn't win any trophy with all those star players before, this time it won't be any difference
squarerahj
1
If u are stubborn and good, that's ok. But if you are stubborn u don't have anything to back it up. Then, use ur head and stop making unnecessary principles. This guy is a Ten Hag kind of person
doyekmory
2
Courtois is the best goalkeeper in the world.
Cuhabksty
5
hahahaha leaving your best player out 😂😂
Teddybandarealmadrid
3
You're out with your fucking coach