After Arne Engels was suspended for his U23 training, Maxim De Cuyper also dropped out yesterday morning. The player from Bruges already felt something after the match against Israel, but he still started training on Sunday morning. He had to drop out, but it doesn’t seem serious. What does this mean for the starting line-up?
Koen Casteels remains in goal. Theate was the regular left back up to and including the European Championship, but after Jan Vertonghen dropped out, he is the only left-footed central defender in the selection. We expect and would find it logical that Tedesco will join the duo Wout Faes-Arthur Theate not separate. The duo currently seem to have the national coach’s preference as a future pair. As a left back, then Timothy Chestnuts play. He was there regularly in the past. Tedesco tried Alexis Saelemaekers and Meunier of the currently selected players in that position. That was not a success. Thomas Meunier is also needed as a right back.
The expected line-up: Casteels – Meunier, Faes, Theate, Castagne – Onana, De Bruyne, Tielemans – Lukebakio, Openda, Doku
Timothy Castagne can also play on the left — © REUTERS
In midfield with Amadou Onana-Youri Tielemans-Kevin De Bruyne may not be tinkered with. Lois Openda in Jeremy Doku are also expected in the team up front. On the right, it is again between Charles De Ketelaere, Dodi Lukebakio and Johan Bakayoko. Dodi Lukebakio did pretty well against Israel. Will he be chosen again? (lvdw)
