Belgium name first squad since Euro 2024 as two big-name players ruthlessly axed

Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco has left out two big players as his first squad since Euro 2024 was revealed.

This summer, the Belgian Red Devils were knocked out in the round of 16 at Euro 2024 in Germany after losing to France.

Jan Vertonghen’s unfortunate own goal in the 85th minute was the difference as Belgium lost 1-0.

Ahead of next month’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against Israel and France, Tedesco has named his squad.

There was no place for Arsenal star Leandro Trossard and new Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku.

Earlier in the week, 31-year-old Lukaku left Chelsea for Italian Serie A side Napoli in a deal worth a reported fee of £30 million.

The Belgium squad in full:

Goalkeepers - Koen Casteels (Al Qadsiah), Thomas Kaminski (Luton Town), Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest).

Defenders - Zeno Debast (Sporting CP), Arthur Theate (Eintracht Frankfurt), Wout Faes (Leicester City), Thomas Meunier (Lille), Timothy Castagne (Fulham), Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge), Koni De Winter (Genoa).

Midfielders - Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Youri Tielemans (Aston Villa), Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta) Orel Mangala (Lyon), Arthur Vermeeren (RB Leipzig), Amadou Onana (Aston Villa).

Forwards - Alexis Saelemaekers (Milan), Arne Engels (Augsburg), Dodi Lukebakio (Sevilla), Johan Bakayoko (PSV), Lois Openda (RB Leipzig), Jeremy Doku (Manchester City), Julien Duranville (Borussia Dortmund).

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Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has recently released a statement saying he will not play for his country as long as Tedesco is the manager.

Courtois wrote: “Following the events with the coach and after much reflection, I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under his management.

“In this matter, I accept my share of responsibility. However, looking forward, my lack of confidence in him would not contribute to maintaining the necessary atmosphere of cordiality.”

He added: “I am convinced that this is the best course of action for Belgium, as it closes a debate and allows the team to focus on pursuing its goals.”

SPORTbible has contacted the RBFA for comment.