Martinez made his selection, but you, who would you have taken with you for Euro 2020?
With a month before the start of the competition, it was time for Roberto Martinez to reveal his selection for the Euro 2020.
The work of the national coach had to be made easier since the European authorities decided that the delegations could bring with them 26 players instead of the 24 initially planned. However, the quality of the Belgian players being so important, the selection as announced this Monday, May 17 will make some dissatisfied, disappointed and, why not, surprised.
A list of reservists, just in case
The first surprising thing is that Roberto Martinez does not intend to be surprised. While the pandemic is still hitting some players around the world and the return to the field has resulted in various injuries, the national coach has decided to concoct a list of reservists to face some possible defections .
The list of the lucky ones
Before any form of analysis, here is the list of the lucky ones chosen and of those who, without wishing any harm to anyone, also hope to be able to join the Red Devils group.
Regarding the guards:
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge) and Matz Sels (Strasbourg)
Regarding the defenders:
Dedryck Boyata (Hertha Berlin), Jason Denayer (Olympique Lyon), Jan Vertonghen (Benfica), Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham) and Thomas Vermaelen (Vissel Kobe)
Regarding the midfielders:
Axel Witsel (Borussia Dortmund), Youri Tielemans (Leicester City), Leander Dendoncker (Wolverhampton), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Dennis Praet (Leicester City), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund), Yannick Carrasco (Atlético Madrid), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund), Timothy Castagne (Leicester City) and Nacer Chadli (Istanbul Basaksehir)
Regarding attackers:
Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), Romelu Lukaku (Inter), Michy Batshuayi (Crystal Palace), Christian Benteke (Crystal Palace), Dries Mertens (Naples), Jérémy Doku (Rennes) and Leandro Trossard (Brighton )
And the famous reservists to thwart any wounded or sick…
Thomas Kaminski, Alexis Saelemaekers, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Bryan Heynen, Thomas Foket, Adnan Januzaj, Brandon Mechele, Jordan Lukaku, Zinho Vanheusden, Yari Verschaeren and Charles De Ketelaere.
The absence of Koen Casteels
Among the big surprises, the absence of Koen Casteels. Unfortunately, the injured player in Wolfsburg will need surgery and is clearly not available for competition of this level. If anyone had imagined that Marouane Fellaini would return, the former Standard player did not even get a ticket for the reserve list. The reason given is that Fellaini has been away from the group for three years and that does not allow him to meet the expectations of Roberto Martinez.
Few defenders
Roberto Martinez also justified the fact of taking only five defenders in his selection on the one hand because the Belgians want to be offensive, but above all because the players have already demonstrated their versatility and that some midfielders could very well strengthen the defense if necessary. The manager underlined the ability of a Chadli to do the job just like Dendoncker.
Take your agenda and strengthen your Internet connection
One thing is certain: Euro 2020 is sure to thrill Belgian fans. Your luck? Being able to watch all the matches that interest you directly on your computer screen, with a 'simple' Internet connection (find out here how to watch the matches you are passionate about for free and live, with a simple Internet connection).