Red Devils vs. Ireland: The Thrilling Encounter
On Saturday, March 23, the Belgian Red Devils will play a friendly match against Ireland. The Devils will also play an exhibition match against England on Tuesday, March 26. This helps shape Domenico Tedesco’s and his team’s preparations for the Euros.
Belgium vs. Ireland
This will be the 17th encounter between Belgium and Ireland. In the previous 16 matches, Belgium has won 6 times, drawn 6 times, and Ireland has won 4 times. The last match between them dates back to March 26, 2022, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The last competitive match between them was at Euro 2016 in France, where Belgium won 3-0 with goals from Romelu Lukaku and Axel Witsel.
Domenico Tedesco
Coach Tedesco announced the squad for the two friendly matches on Thursday, February 14. The 38-year-old German also revealed that he has extended his contract with the Devils until 2026. Under Tedesco, Belgium remains undefeated with eight wins and two draws, and they also secured qualification for the Euros. His extended contract means he will continue as coach until the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Goalkeepers
Thibaut Courtois’s absence gives Koen Casteels more opportunities. The Wolfsburg goalkeeper is likely to be seen most often in goal as the first choice. His team is currently in 14th place in the Bundesliga. Matz Sels will be his backup. He joined Nottingham Forest this year, replacing former Club Brugge goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. Sels aims to help Nottingham Forest avoid relegation. The other two goalkeepers are Thomas Kaminski and Arnaud Bodart. Kaminski has excelled at Luton Town, becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League. However, his team is just below Forest in the relegation zone. Bodart plays for Standard in Belgium, which finished 10th in the Jupiler Pro League.
Defenders
Thomas Meunier returns to the national team after a year’s absence. He sustained a muscle injury while at Dortmund but has recently become a regular starter again. However, feeling he wasn’t getting enough playing time, he moved to Trabzonspor in Turkey. Jan Vertonghen, a stalwart, will accompany him in defense. He helped Anderlecht to a 2nd place finish in the Jupiler Pro League. The defensive line also includes Timothy Castagne, Zeno Debast, Olivier Deman, Koni De Winter, Wout Faes, and Arthur Theate.
Midfielders
Arthur Vermeeren receives another call-up for the Red Devils. Despite limited playing time at Atlético Madrid, Tedesco sees potential in him. Charles De Ketelaere, who is performing well at Atalanta, also makes the squad. He played in November during the international break. The midfield is further bolstered by Amadou Onana, Orel Mangala, Youri Tielemans, and Aster Vranckx.
Forwards
Romelu Lukaku faces a tough challenge at AS Roma: advancing as far as possible in the Europa League and aiming for a Champions League spot. He now has another opportunity to showcase his scoring prowess with the Red Devils. He is supported by players like Jérémy Doku, who is impressing at Manchester City and earns another chance with the national team. The Belgian attacking line is strengthened by Johan Bakayoko, Michy Batshuayi, Dodi Lukebakio, Loïs Openda, and Leandro Trossard.
Absences
There is one new name in the squad: the young Koni De Winter receives his first call-up for the Red Devils. The 21-year-old central defender from Genoa fills in for the absence of Kevin De Bruyne, who is sidelined with a groin injury. Toby Alderweireld and Axel Witsel are also absent (for now). According to the coach, the door for Euro participation is not definitively closed. Tedesco also provided some information about Courtois, stating that he may not be ready for the Euros. It is also noteworthy that Tedesco did not select any players from Union, despite the club leading the Jupiler Pro League.
European Championship
In June, the Red Devils will play in Group E of the Euros, facing Slovakia, Romania, and the winner of playoff group B, which includes Ukraine, Israel, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Iceland. Ireland failed to qualify for the Euros, accumulating only 6 points in the group with France, the Netherlands, Greece, and Gibraltar.
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