The exclusion of Thibaut Courtois from the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 has raised many eyebrows, especially considering he is poised to play in the Champions League final. Last June, Courtois made headlines when he walked out on the Belgium squad after not being named captain following Eden Hazard’s retirement. This decision led to a fallout with coach Domenico Tedesco, who publicly criticized the 32-year-old goalkeeper. Despite expressing regret for his actions, Courtois has been left out of the squad.
Courtois has faced a challenging season with Real Madrid, experiencing two serious knee injuries that sidelined him for a significant period. However, he made his return against Cádiz in LaLiga on May 4 and has since kept clean sheets in matches against Granada, Alavés, and Real Betis. Sources within the club have indicated that Courtois is expected to start in the Champions League final, provided he is physically fit. Coach Tedesco addressed Courtois’ absence from the Euro 2024 squad, stating that the goalkeeper is not ready for the championship and knows his body best.
Despite the Euro 2024 rules allowing for a 26-man squad, Tedesco decided to name only 25 players for the tournament in Germany. The squad saw the return of Axel Witsel, who had previously announced his international retirement. Tedesco personally visited Atlético Madrid to persuade Witsel to rejoin the national team, highlighting the midfielder’s quality and experience. Jan Vertonghen, a seasoned defender with 154 caps, also made the squad at the age of 37. The squad features star striker Romelu Lukaku, who has an impressive record of 83 goals in 114 appearances for Belgium.
Squad Composition
The Belgium squad for Euro 2024 includes a mix of experienced players and rising talents. The goalkeepers are Koen Casteels, Thomas Kaminski, and Matz Sels. The defensive lineup consists of players like Timothy Castagne, Maxim De Cuyper, and Jan Vertonghen. The midfield is bolstered by names like Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel, while the forward line features Romelu Lukaku and promising young talents like Jeremy Doku. The squad reflects a blend of experience, skill, and potential to make an impact in the championship.
Thibaut Courtois’ exclusion from the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 highlights the complexities of team selection and the relationships between players and coaches. While his absence may come as a surprise to many, Coach Tedesco has made tough decisions based on what he believes is best for the team. As Belgium prepares for the tournament, the focus now shifts to the players selected and their ability to deliver on the international stage.
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