Thibaut Courtois left out of Belgium’s Euro 2024 squad
Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, faced a series of injuries. However, he made a comeback just in time for the season’s conclusion. Meanwhile, the experienced Witsel has been a standout performer for Atletico Madrid.
Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco has named his 25-man squad for Euro 2024, with some notable omissions and surprises.
Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois misses out due to a lingering knee injury. Tedesco stays true to his earlier comments, selecting Koen Casteels, Thomas Kaminski, and Matz Sels to fill the goalkeeping positions.
The squad features a strong contingent from the Premier League. Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are joined by Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard, Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans, Leicester’s Wout Faes, Everton’s Amadou Onana, and Fulham’s Timothy Castagne.
In a surprising move, 35-year-old Axel Witsel has been coaxed out of retirement. Initially dropped by Tedesco last year, Witsel’s impressive recent form with Atletico Madrid convinced the manager. His experience and versatility, including the ability to play in midfield or defense, make him a valuable asset. Witsel joins De Bruyne as the last remaining members of Belgium’s golden generation.
Hoping to redeem themselves after a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2022 World Cup, Belgium opens their Euro 2024 campaign against Slovakia on June 17th.
Belgium’s 25-man Euro 2024 Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Matz Sels, Koen Casteels, Thomas Kaminski
- Defenders: Wout Faes, Timothy Castagne, Arthur Theate, Jan Vertonghen, Axel Witsel, Zeno Debast, Thomas Meunier, Maxim De Cuyper
- Midfielders: Aster Vranckx, Youri Tielemans, Orel Mangala, Kevin De Bruyne, Arthur Vermeeren, Amadou Onana
- Forwards: Romelu Lukaku, Charles De Ketelaere, Jeremy Doku, Lois Openda, Leandro Trossard, Johan Bakayoko, Dodi Lukebakio, Yannick Carrasco
