Belgium has announced their squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, including the surprise recall of Axel Witsel. Despite being in line to feature in the Champions League final, Thibaut Courtois has been left out of the squad. Witsel, who last played for Belgium during the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, was persuaded by coach Domenico Tedesco to rejoin the team.
Courtois, on the other hand, walked out on the Belgian squad last June after a public falling out with Tedesco. Despite a serious knee injury that sidelined him for most of the season, Courtois has recently returned to play for Real Madrid and will be in the squad for the Champions League final. However, Tedesco stated that Courtois is not ready for the European Championships and therefore has not been included in the squad.
Tedesco expressed his confidence in Witsel, highlighting his quality and experience as a key player for Atletico Madrid. The coach believes that Witsel’s presence will be crucial for the team, especially in guiding the younger players. In addition to Witsel, uncapped player Maxim De Cuyper has also been included in the squad, with Tedesco praising his performance and deserving a spot in the team.
The Belgian squad also features veteran players like Jan Vertonghen and Romelu Lukaku, who have been crucial to the team’s success in the past. With a mix of experienced players and young talents, Belgium will be aiming to make a strong impact at the Euro 2024 tournament. The squad includes a total of 25 players, with a mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards selected to represent the country in the upcoming competition.
Overall, Belgium’s squad for Euro 2024 shows a good balance of experience and talent, with the inclusion of players like Witsel and De Cuyper adding depth to the team. Despite the absence of Courtois, the team remains strong and will be looking to perform well in the tournament under the guidance of coach Tedesco. With the likes of Lukaku and Vertonghen leading the team, Belgium will be aiming to challenge for the title and make their mark on the international stage.