Thibaut Courtois, the talented Real Madrid goalkeeper, has been left out of the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 despite his potential inclusion in the Champions League final. This decision comes after Courtois controversially walked out on the Belgium squad last June when he was not named captain following Eden Hazard’s retirement, causing a rift with coach Domenico Tedesco. As a result, Courtois faced criticism from his teammates and has since expressed regret for his actions. Additionally, Courtois has struggled with two serious knee injuries this season, limiting his playing time. However, he has managed to make notable performances upon his return, keeping clean sheets in several matches. Despite his achievements, Courtois will not be part of the Belgium squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament.
Coach Domenico Tedesco recently announced the Belgium squad for Euro 2024, which surprisingly did not include Thibaut Courtois. Tedesco explained that Courtois himself acknowledged that he is not ready for the European Championship, emphasizing the importance of being physically fit for such a high-stakes tournament. Although rules allow for a 26-man squad, Tedesco opted to name only 25 players for the competition. The squad features a mix of experienced players and young talents, with Tedesco showing his determination to build a cohesive team capable of competing at the European Championship.
Notable inclusions in the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 include the return of Axel Witsel, who had previously announced his international retirement. Tedesco made a personal visit to Atlético Madrid to persuade Witsel to come back to the national team, recognizing the quality and experience the midfielder possesses. Witsel’s addition to the squad provides valuable depth and leadership, particularly given his key role at Atlético Madrid. Additionally, veteran defender Jan Vertonghen, with 154 caps for Belgium, has been included in the squad at the age of 37, highlighting the importance of experience in the team.
The Belgium squad features a mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, each bringing their unique strengths to the team. Goalkeepers Koen Casteels, Thomas Kaminski, and Matz Sels will provide stability and security in defense. The defensive line includes players like Timothy Castagne, Maxim De Cuyper, and Jan Vertonghen, offering a blend of skill and experience. In midfield, the squad boasts talents such as Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, and Axel Witsel, who will play pivotal roles in controlling the pace of the game. The attacking line features prolific scorers like Romelu Lukaku, providing the team with the firepower needed to compete at the highest level.
While Thibaut Courtois’ absence from the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 may come as a surprise to some, Coach Domenico Tedesco has made a strategic decision based on Courtois’ fitness and readiness for the tournament. By assembling a squad with a balance of experience and talent, Tedesco aims to lead Belgium to success at the European Championship. The inclusion of players like Axel Witsel and Jan Vertonghen demonstrates Tedesco’s faith in the team’s ability to compete against the best in Europe. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on the Belgium squad as they seek to make their mark on the international stage.
Leave a Reply