Semi-finalist of the last World Cup, Belgium is setting out again to conquer a title which had narrowly escaped them 4 years ago in Russia. After Didier Deschamps yesterday, it’s Roberto Martinez’s turn to unveil his list for this World Cup in Qatar. The Spanish coach takes with him 26 players, and calls on 4 reservists in case, to face a balanced group F (Canada, Morocco, Croatia).
The competition will start on November 23 with a first meeting against the Canadians. It’s in exactly 13 days so we need fresh and above all available men. Martinez did not really surprise. He calls on the three goalkeepers who were expected, Thibaut Courtois, who will of course be the holder, Simon Mignolet and Koen Casteels. The Strasbourgeois Matz Sels therefore remains at the dock, he who is regularly the 4th goalkeeper.
Lukaku is present
In defense, we find the two veterans Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Already present 4 years ago, they will be accompanied by Leander Dendoncker, who is gaining momentum in the national team, or even Rennais Arthur Theate and the former Rémoins now in Leicester, Wout Faes. The very young and inexperienced Zeno Debast from Anderlecht (33 pro games on the clock) completes this rear guard. The main absentees are Denayer (reservists along with Bryan Heynen, Alexis Saelemaekers and Dodi Lukebakio) and Boyata.
For the rest of this list, the Hazard brothers are both present, like the former Lille player who became an Everton player this summer, Amadou Onana, considered the natural successor to Fellaini for his physical impact. Tielemans will also be there, as will Dries Mertens, Michy Batshuayi, Loïs Openda and especially Romelu Lukaku. Injured and uncertain until the last moment, the Inter striker is present.
The list of Belgium:
Guardians: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), Simon Mignolet (Club Brugge), Koen Casteels (VfL Wolfsburg)
Defenders: Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht), Toby Alderweireld (Royal Antwerp), Leander Dendoncker (Aston Villa), Wout Faes (Leicester), Arthur Theate (Stade Rennais), Zeno Debast (Anderlecht)
Midfielders: Yannick Carrasco (Atlético de Madrid), Thomas Meunier (Borussia Dortmund), Timothy Castagne (Leicester), Thorgan Hazard (Borussia Dortmund), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Youri Tielemans (Leicester), Amadou Onana (Everton), Axel Witsel (Atlético de Madrid), Hans Vanaken (Club Brugge), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan), Leandro Trossard (Brighton), Dries Mertens (Galatasaray), Jérémy Doku (Stade Rennais)
Attacker: Romelu Lukaku (Inter), Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahce), Lois Openda (RC Lens)
The 4 reservists:
Bryan Heynen (Genk), Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan), Dodi Lukebakio (Hertha Berlin) and Jason Denayer (Shabab Al-Ahli)
11.59 million Belgians. 26 Devils. 1 goal. #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/wwCAMvlU6k
—Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) November 10, 2022
