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Belgium's World Cup Squad Is Stacked With Talent, But No Room For Radja Nainggolan

Belgium's World Cup Squad Is Stacked With Talent, But No Room For Radja Nainggolan

Roberto Martinez has named his squad for the World Cup.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Belgium have released a 28-man squad for the 2018 World Cup, before it's whittled down to 23 players on June 4th.

Roberto Martinez has announced his Belgium party which includes the likes of Chelsea pair Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard, Spurs' Jan Vertonghen, Manchester United duo Marouane Fellaini and Romelu Lukaku as well as Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne, to name but a few.

Though the ex-Wigan manager has omitted AS Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan.

He reportedly flew to Rome, Italy, to inform him of his decision.

While explaining his reason.

Here's the squad in full:

Image: Belgium
Image: Belgium

Stacked.

Belgium have failed to raise any international titles, with their best World Cup run coming in 1986 which saw them reach the semi-final before losing to eventual winners Argentina.

But expectations are high considering the impressive players at Martinez's disposal, which consists of two of the most influential players in the Premier League in the shape of Hazard and De Bruyne.

Belgium line up at the 2014 World Cup. Image: PA
Belgium line up at the 2014 World Cup. Image: PA

'The Red Devil's' open their World Cup campaign on June 18th against Panama, before facing Tunisia then England.

However, before Martinez and co. board a plane to Russia, his side have three international friendlies; Portugal, Egypt and Costa Rica.

Meanwhile, Martinez will continue to oversee Belgium after agreeing a new two-year contract, last week.

"The board of the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) and Roberto Martinez have extended their collaboration for another two years. Roberto Martinez, will therefore continue to coach the Red Devils after the Russian World Cup and will prepare them for Euro 2020," a statement reads via Goal.

"Since his appointment in August 2016, the RBFA has been delighted with this positive, professional and sincere collaboration with Roberto Martinez.

"Belgium's impeccable performance during the World Cup qualification, where the team won all its matches in group H, except for a draw with Greece, gives the RBFA plenty of confidence on a sporting level to continue the momentum with the national coach."

How will Belgium fare at the World Cup?

Let us know.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Football News, Belgium, Football, World Cup

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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