Group E preview: Belgium

We're past the 'golden generation' of Belgian football which means the Red Devils can play without heavy expectations.

There are still some survivors of those sides who promised so much at major tournaments but failed to deliver. Jan Vertonghen, Axel Witsel, Romelu Lukaku, and now Kevin De Bruyne have all made over 100 appearances.

Manager Domenico Tedesco has included some much younger, exciting players in a squad that mixes youth with vast experience.

Scott Coyne of The Belgian Football Podcast kindly helped us out with his expert advice for our look at the Red Devils' EURO 2024.

Keep an eye out for Playmaker's definitive guide to the Euros, complete with profiles on all 24 nations competing, in the latest issue of 'The Mighty Delta'. 

@Getty /

Star man

Kevin De Bruyne has 100 caps for Belgium and is a key player with significant major tournament experience and influence within the squad. He must perform well if the Red Devils are to have an impact and progress - the team balance and opportunities created for the side are simply greater with him starting. 

De Bruyne's technique, ability, and (perhaps most importantly) his vision are world-class. He is also that rare thing in football - a two-footed wonder!

Belgium's Euro 2024 squad

Position	Name	Team
Goalkeeper	Koen Casteels	Wolfsburg
Goalkeeper	Thomas Kaminski	Luton Town
Goalkeeper	Matz Sels	Nottingham Forest
Defender	Zeno Debast	Anderlecht
Defender	Arthur Theate	Rennes
Defender	Wout Faes	Leicester City
Defender	Jan Vertonghen	Anderlecht
Defender	Thomas Meunier	Trabzonspor
Defender	Maxim De Cuyper	Club Brugge
Defender	Timothy Castagne	Fulham
Midfielder	Axel Witsel	Atlético de Madrid
Midfielder	Kevin De Bruyne	Manchester City
Midfielder	Youri Tielemans	Aston Villa
Midfielder	Aster Vranckx	Wolfsburg
Midfielder	Orel Mangala	Lyon
Midfielder	Arthur Vermeeren	Atlético de Madrid
Midfielder	Amadou Onana	Everton
Forward	Leandro Trossard	Arsenal
Forward	Romelu Lukaku	Roma
Forward	Yannick Carrasco	Al-Shabab
Forward	Dodi Lukebakio	Sevilla
Forward	De Ketelaere	Atalanta
Forward	Johan Bakayoko	PSV
Forward	Lois Openda	RB Leipzig
Forward	Jérémy Doku	Manchester City

[G=Games, M=Minutes, GS=Goals Scored, YC=Yellow cards, 2Y=Double Yellows, RC=Red cards]

@Getty /

Young gun

A product of Mechelen and Anderlecht's academies, Johan Bakayoko has had an impressive season, helping PSV claim the Dutch title with 12 goals. 

Tenacious, versatile and unpredictable, the 21-year-old winger has technique, pace and an aggressive directness in taking on defenders. He made eight appearances in qualifying but can he now grab an opportunity to make a name for himself at a major international tournament?

@Getty /

Wildcard

Despite breaking through in the qualifying campaign and having only 3 caps, 19-year-old Arthur Vermeeren is considered one of the hottest Belgian talents. 

Since his move from Antwerp to Atlético Madrid in January, the midfielder has made only five appearances for the Spanish giants, but such is his talent and flexibility, he has still made the final squad. 

Not likely to start, but depending on circumstances his stock could rise even further.

Opinion

Belgium have shrugged off the shackles of previous expectations under current Head Coach Domenico Tedesco, who has led the Red Devils to Germany with an undefeated qualifying campaign. They come into the tournament favourites after a positive group draw.

Tedesco has successfully blended a new team with a good combination of fresh talent and experienced campaigners. This has produced a more pragmatic side that has perhaps more options open to it tactically than previously. 

There is an air of positivity around the squad, however, it's worth highlighting that this side has not been seriously tested yet, so how it responds is going to tell us much for the future.

Preferred formation: 4-3-3