News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/9th June 2024
Belgium has solidified its 25-player roster for the forthcoming European Championship in Germany, choosing not to add an extra player despite recent training sessions involving two young prospects. Coach Domenico Tedesco disclosed on Friday that the team would enter the tournament with one player fewer than the 26 allowed. This decision followed a week of speculation about possible additions to the squad.
Young talents Arne Engels and Mandela Keita were given the chance to train with the national team, sparking rumors that one might be included in the final lineup by the midnight deadline. However, Tedesco made it clear that neither would be joining the squad in Germany. He explained that the decision to go with 25 players was driven by a desire to maintain team unity and to avoid disappointing any young player unnecessarily. “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,” Tedesco stated at a press conference.
This announcement comes despite lingering fitness concerns for key defenders Jan Vertonghen and Arthur Theate. Vertonghen, Belgium’s most capped player with 154 appearances, is dealing with a groin injury, while Theate is recovering from an ankle issue. Tedesco expressed optimism about Vertonghen’s recovery, noting that he is expected back soon. “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,” Tedesco added. However, he indicated that Theate would require more time to regain full fitness.
In the goalkeeping department, Tedesco confirmed that Koen Casteels, who plays in the Bundesliga, will be Belgium’s first-choice goalkeeper, taking over from Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois. Tedesco explained that although the other goalkeepers are highly capable, specific details led to the selection of Casteels as the starting goalkeeper. Casteels is slated to start in Belgium’s final warm-up match against Luxembourg in Brussels on Saturday and will be the mainstay at Euro 2024.
Belgium’s campaign for Euro 2024 begins on June 17 with their opening match against Slovakia in Frankfurt. The decision to travel with a 25-player squad underscores Tedesco’s confidence in the team’s preparation and cohesion. Despite the challenges posed by injuries to key players, the focus remains on a strong team performance and leveraging the experience of seasoned players like Vertonghen. This calculated approach highlights Belgium’s strategic planning as they aim for success in the tournament.
