<p>Despite holding more of the ball, Belgium was severely outclassed by a stronger and more talented France side. One of the top fixtures in this iteration of the UEFA Nations League, at least based on the FIFA World Rankings, did not deliver. Two goals on either side of halftime for France confirmed that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/france-national-team-tv-schedule/">France</a>, and many of the other European sides, are a class above.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/belgium-national-team-tv-schedule/">Belgium</a> played a strong side, with most of the players in Domenico Tedesco’s starting XI representing his best options. By comparison, France rested many of its top players after a convincing defeat at the hands of Italy. Kylian Mbappe, Bradley Barcola, Antoine Griezmann and Michael Olise sat and watched from the bench as Didier Deschamps’s side had no issue against Belgium. This game epitomized the fact that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/07/06/belgium-golden-generations-last-chance-at-winning-world-cup/">Belgium’s golden generation</a> is now in the past.</p>



<p>The only holdover is Kevin De Bruyne. The Manchester City sensation was the focal point of everything positive Belgium put together. If Belgium was able to find any success away from the feet of De Bruyne, it came through Jeremy Doku. That should not be overly surprising. The two Manchester City players are the best that Belgium has to offer. However, the drop-off from those two to the rest of the squad is alarming. </p>



<p>Playing against Kylian Mbappe certainly exacerbated those issues. As soon as Deschamps brought on the Real Madrid forward alongside Barcola, Belgium was formally out of the game. Had it not been for several saves from Belgium goalkeeper Kevin Casteels, this game could have been far worse than a standard 2-0 win. Every statistic, except for that of possession, leaned in favor of France. Deschamps’s side had 25 shots with 10 of those finding the target. Belgium eventually worked out eight shots, but just four of those tested Mike Maignan. More often than not, these were comfortable saves that the AC Milan goalkeeper swallowed up without aplomb. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240909_WST_527858_Belgium-struggles-1200x675_a12bac7d.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-527902" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Belgium-struggles-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Belgium-struggles-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Belgium-struggles-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Belgium-struggles-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Belgium-struggles.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Where does Belgium go after defeat against France?</h2>



<p>With the game approaching the final whistle, cameras captured a bit of frustration from Kevin De Bruyne. Looking for the incisive pass that generally goes to club teammate Erling Haaland, De Bruyne had no option. Unfortunately for the Belgian captain, he is looking over a team in transition. Belgium, with a young head coach, is not a contender to win the World Cup, the Euros or even the Nations League. As things stand, Belgium is working to pick up valuable development and minutes for a team with players in need of time.</p>



<p>That showed against France, but it can still be a stepping stone for the future. In the current format of the UEFA Nations League, the top two teams from the four groups in League A advance. They play in the quarterfinals of the Nations League, which remains a possibility for Belgium. France and Italy may be the favorites in Group A2. However, positive results against Israel and perhaps stealing a game from either France or Italy could set Belgium on a path to those quarterfinals. That would give Belgium an opportunity to play meaningful competitive games, which is significant for such a young team.</p>



<p>Now, though, Belgium’s players return to their clubs before the October international break. Then, Tedesco and Belgium play challenging games against Italy and France, this time playing the French at home. </p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em></p>

France loss shows Belgium needs considerable infusion of talent

Despite holding more of the ball, Belgium was severely outclassed by a stronger and more talented France side.

<p>Belgium’s coach, Domenico Tedesco, has announced the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches; making some surprising decisions that reflect both his confidence in the future and his respect for experience, this includes dropping Romelu Lukaku.</p>



<p>Amidst concerns about the demanding season ahead, Tedesco has included Kevin De Bruyne in the squad; emphasizing his pivotal role in transitioning to a younger team. Meanwhile, notable absences such as Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois have sparked discussions about the future direction of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/belgium-national-team-tv-schedule/">Belgium’s national team</a>.</p>



<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/kevin-de-bruyne-enticed-by-lucrative-saudi-arabia-offer/">Kevin De Bruyne</a> has been a cornerstone of both Manchester City and the Belgian national team. However, despite that, he was the subject of much speculation regarding his international future. Concerns were raised about the 33-year-old’s ability to handle the demanding schedule; given his heavy commitments with both club and country. However, Tedesco made it clear that the City star remains integral to his plans.</p>



<p>Speaking on his inclusion, <a href="https://www.beinsports.com/en-au/football/uefa-nations-league/articles-video/lukaku-left-out-for-belgium-in-nations-league-2024-08-30" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tedesco stated</a>, “Kevin is our captain, and I think that around him, we can let these young players grow.” Despite omitting several regulars to create opportunities for younger talents, Tedesco underscored the importance of De Bruyne’s experience and leadership in guiding the next generation of Belgian players during the six Nations League Group A2 matches between September and November.</p>



<h2>Who has Tedesco omitted?</h2>



<p>One of the most surprising omissions from the squad is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/marescas-brutal-honesty-devalues-unwanted-chelsea-players/">Romelu Lukaku</a>, Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer. Lukaku recently completed a transfer to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/napoli-tv-schedule-for-viewers-in-united-states">Napoli</a> from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> and has requested time off to focus on his fitness. The striker, who has scored 85 goals in 119 appearances for the Red Devils, has struggled to find form at recent major tournaments; failing to score in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">2022 World Cup</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-european-championship-tv-schedule/">Euro 2024</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240831_WST_525836_imago1049289238h-1200x800_be5f94ca.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="" class="wp-image-525955" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago1049289238h-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago1049289238h-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago1049289238h-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago1049289238h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/08/imago1049289238h-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Domenico Tedesco has made a bold selection for Belgium’s next fixtures after Euro 2024 disappointment</figcaption></figure>



<p>Tedesco explained Lukaku’s absence, saying, “Romelu himself asked me not to be called up. He had a difficult preparation and has only just made his transfer. He is not in good enough shape to come, he is honest, and that is good”. In his absence, Leipzig’s Lois Openda, Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere, and Borussia Dortmund’s Julien Duranville will lead the line.</p>



<p>Another significant exclusion from the squad is <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Courtois has been absent from the national team since a public dispute with Tedesco over the team’s captaincy, which led to Courtois walking out of a training camp in 2023. The goalkeeper recently announced on social media that he will not represent Belgium as long as the manager remains in charge. This ongoing rift leaves Belgium without one of their most experienced players as they embark on their Nations League campaign.</p>



<h2>New generation takes center stage</h2>



<p>Belgium’s squad selection signals a shift towards integrating younger players while maintaining a core of experienced leaders like De Bruyne. Notably, Yannick Carrasco, Leandro Trossard, and Axel Witsel have also been left out; especially as Tedesco looks to test emerging talents in the lead-up to the 2024 World Cup Qualifiers.</p>



<p>Their <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/uefa-nations-league-tv-schedule-and-links/">Nations League</a> campaign begins on September 6 against Israel; UEFA moved the game from Brussels to Debrecen, Hungary, for security reasons. Just three days later, Belgium will face France in Lyon, marking the start of a challenging group stage that also includes Italy.</p>



<p>Photo credits: IMAGO / ANP : IMAGO / Photo News.</p>

No Lukaku: Belgium's bold squad selection for Nations League

Romelu Lukaku has been left out of Belgium's squad for the Nations League fixtures to be played in September


<p>Domenico Tedesco has been named the new head coach of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/belgium-national-team-tv-schedule/">Belgium national team</a>. The 37-year-old coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/world-cup-exit-spells-end-for-roberto-martinez-at-belgium-20221201-WST-410760.html">replaces Roberto Martinez</a> after the Spaniard spent six years at the helm with the Red Devils.</p>



<p>“It is a great honor to be the new head coach of Belgium,” <a href="https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64566792" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> Tedesco. “I’m really looking forward to the task and I’m extremely motivated. I had a very good feeling right from the first conversation.”</p>



<h5>Young coach brings respectable résumé to the table</h5>



<p>Tedesco previously made a name for himself during spells with Schalke, Spartak Moscow, and RB Leipzig. The Italian-German coach took the German club up to second place in the <a href="https://www.worldsoccertalk.com/bundesliga-tv-schedule">Bundesliga</a> in his first season in charge. Schalke would go on to be relegated from the top flight two seasons after Tedesco left for Russia.</p>



<p>During his time in Moscow, Tedesco was a popular figure. He finished seventh in the Russian Premier League after joining the club midseason. Spartak then qualified for the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> in his final campaign with the club. Tedesco was actually never fired from Spartak. Instead, he left because of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>



<p>After a seven-month hiatus, Tedesco rejoined the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. He took over the team during the 2021/22 campaign while they <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/tedesco-tasked-with-reviving-leipzigs-fortunes-20211209-CMS-361648.html">sat 11th in the table</a>. Nevertheless, Tedesco was able to guide Leipzig up to fourth and qualify for the Champions League. Despite the successful season, he was quickly <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/07/rb-leipzig-fires-domenico-tedesco-after-shakhtar-thumping/">sacked in September</a> after a heavy defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Domenico Tedesco is the new head coach of our Devils. Good luck, coach! 🤝🇧🇪 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DEVILTIME?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DEVILTIME</a> <a href="https://t.co/KeHHPbVpB3">pic.twitter.com/KeHHPbVpB3</a></p>— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) <a href="https://twitter.com/BelRedDevils/status/1623233923353387008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Tedesco looks to help underachieving Belgium</h2>



<p>Tedesco will now try to get more out of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/kevin-de-bruyne-says-belgium-are-too-old-to-win-world-cup-20221126-WST-410126.html">a immensely talented</a>, yet underachieving Belgium team. The self-proclaimed “<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/belgium-golden-generations-last-chance-at-winning-world-cup-20220706-CMS-392151.html">golden generation</a>” has not exactly lived up to their hype in recent years. Belgium only reached the quarterfinals of the 2016 and 2020 EURO tournaments, while being bounced out of the 2022 World Cup in the group stage.</p>



<p>The young coach’s first game in charge with his new team will be a Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden in March.</p>



<p><em>PHOTO: IMAGO / Eibner</em></p>


Domenico Tedesco has been named the new head coach of the Belgium national soccer team. At 37, he already has immense experience.

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Domenico Tedesco"

News

France loss shows Belgium needs considerable infusion of talent

News

No Lukaku: Belgium's bold squad selection for Nations League

Belgium

Belgium appoint Domenico Tedesco as new head coach