Belgium’s Euro 2024 squad announcement has sparked mixed reactions, with fans lamenting the absence of star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and questioning the team’s chances.
The 32-year-old Courtois, a key figure in Belgium’s “golden generation,” missed out due to a knee injury. He publicly criticized manager Domenico Tedesco for not appreciating him, further fueling the drama.
Axel Witsel’s surprise inclusion raised eyebrows. The 35-year-old midfielder, who retired last year, was persuaded by Tedesco to return. Jan Vertonghen, another veteran defender at 36, was also cut.
Young stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are present, along with Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard. However, Michy Batshuayi’s omission surprised many.
Disappointed fans took to social media, expressing their worries. Comments like “Golden generation turned bronze…” and “They are not seeing the quarter-finals” reflected a sense of decline from Belgium’s past glory.
Belgium’s squad faces pressure to perform well in Euro 2024. Can they overcome the loss of Courtois and deliver on their potential, or will they fall short of expectations as some fans predict?
Belgium Euro 2024 Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg)
- Thomas Kaminski (Luton Town)
- Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest)
Defenders:
- Timothy Castagne (Fulham)
- Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge)
- Zeno Debast (Anderlecht)
- Wout Faes (Leicester City)
- Thomas Meunier (Trabzonspor)
- Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht)
- Arthur Theate (Stade Rennais)
- Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders:
- Yannick Carrasco (Al Shabab)
- Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
- Orel Mangala (Olympique Lyonnais)
- Amadou Onana (Everton)
- Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa)
- Arthur Vermeeren (Atletico Madrid)
- Aster Vranckx (vFL Wolfsburg)
Forwards:
- Johan Bakayoko (PSV Eindhoven)
- Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta)
- Jeremy Doku (Manchester City)
- Romelu Lukaku (Roma)
- Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla)
- Lois Openda (RB Leipzig)
- Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)
