“Absolute leadership for De Bruyne and Lukaku”
For the newspaper L’Equipe, the train has passed for the Red Devils. With two stars out of five, we are among the outsiders. “Can it be too late sometimes in football?”, questions the media. “This is the first feeling that comes about Belgium, after the retirement of Eden Hazard, the aging of the managers of the 2018 World Cup, without forgetting the absence of the best goalkeeper in the world, Thibaut Courtois, that the new coach Domenico Tedesco did not try to call at the last moment, after his return to the field.” Fortunately, the Devils can count on two lighthouses, according to our colleagues. “The conflict between Tedesco and the Real goalkeeper leaves absolute leadership to Lukaku and De Bruyne, in a fairly easy group, at least, to begin with.
Same story in Italy where Belgium is clearly placed behind teams like France, England or Portugal. “No, Belgium is not favorite”, estimates Gazzetta Dello sport. “This team is in the middle of a generational change. It revolves around the De Bruyne totem but has still produced new stars like Vermeeren and Bakayoko.” Before ending on a note of optimism: “If the mix of experience and freshness succeeds, the big surprise could occur. The same goes for the Netherlands and Croatia. And of course, Italy.”
“Certain players are seen differently since their good season”
In Spain, we are a little more optimistic. “Belgium and Portugal are two candidates to win the cup”, believes Marca. For its part, AS believes that the new wave of talent from the Devils can make the difference. “The vast majority of the golden generation is gone. Certainly, Vertonghen, De Bruyne, Lukaku and Carrasco remain present. But Belgium is now waiting for its new generation. That of Onana, Bakayoko, Trossard, Openda, De Ketelaere or Doku that we saw little by little under Martinez. Some of them, like Doku, De Ketelaere or Openda, are seen differently after their brilliant season.”
On the English side, we are much less enthusiastic. Sky Sports gives us 20 to 1 odds of winning the tournament. “Can the Belgian golden generation finally win a trophy? Doubts remain around their defense but they still have many offensive talents, including Kevin De Bruyne, and, in Romelu Lukaku, top scorer in qualifying with 14 goals.writes Sky Sports.
For the Guardian, our country can have ambitions. “Belgium has yet to lose a match under the leadership of Domenico Tedesco, in charge since March 2023.” One match was more impressive than another, according to our colleagues. “In their qualifying group, the Red Devils collected an impressive 20 points from a possible 24 in a group that also included Austria and Sweden. However, their biggest scalp under Tedesco came in his second match when they won 3-2 away against Germany.”
The Guardian thinks the Belgians can be a pain in the ass for other nations. But it will inevitably be decided thanks to a man. “More than ever, the success of the Belgian national team this summer will depend on the form of Kevin De Bruyne. No wonder Tedesco made him captain.”
Bakayoko as tournament hopeful
When choosing the nugget of the tournament, the editorial staff, however, do not hesitate. They point to Johan Bakayoko as a probable surprise in the selection. “It won’t be easy given the competition. In front of him are Trossard, De Ketelaere, Carrasco and Doku. But his good season in Eindhoven where he scored 14 goals and distributed 14 assists in 48 matches works in his favor”thinks Marca.
Same story from the BBC. “Comparisons with his compatriot Jeremy Doku are inevitable, even if he prefers to play on the opposite flank. Last summer, Brentford and Burnley coveted him. This year, it’s Bayern, Arsenal and Liverpool who are interested in him.”
Ditto for the Guardian which sees it as “a player to follow” : “He made his debut in Domenico Tedesco’s first match in March 2023, a 3-0 away win against Sweden, and hasn’t looked back, featuring in every match since then.
