the probable list of Belgium
Third in the previous edition, Belgium is not presented among the favorites for the 2022 World Cup, and the coach of the Red Devils, Roberto Martinez, still has uncertainties to settle before publishing his list.
the program from Belgium to Qatar: Group F – Canada (23 November), Morocco (27 November), Croatia (1 December).
Four goalkeepers for three places
Two certainties in this position: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) is obviously the indisputable holder and Simon Mignolet (FC Bruges) will be his understudy. Behind, only Roberto Martinez knows which of Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg) or Matz Sels (Strasbourg) will be on the trip. The technician systematically summons four goalkeepers in lists of around thirty players and it is therefore difficult to see clearly. The fact that Sels was left in the stands during the two games in September, however, may be a bad sign for the Alsatian…
Holes in defense…
In the three-man defense of the Red Devils, only the experienced Toby Alderweireld (Antwerp) and Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht) are truly indisputable and guaranteed to make the trip. Behind them, the Rennais Arthur Theate is likely to hit the right wagon since he has been present in all the lists for a year and has a rare left-handed profile.
This still leaves a minimum of three places to take. The owners Jason Denayer (Shabab Dubai) and Dedryck Boyata (FC Bruges) are not sure of anything. Denayer was out of work until the end of September and he joined an uncompetitive league but his call-up at the last rally when he was without a club testifies to Martinez’s confidence. More in shape, Brandon Mechele (FC Bruges) and Zeno Debast (Anderlecht), who have just celebrated their first two caps directly as a holder at only 18 years old, seem to have a real card to play. Wout Faes, who plays games with Leicester, could also have a say.
At the right piston position, Thomas Meunier (Dortmund) is indisputable but uncertain following his injury. His regular understudy Timothy Castagne (Leicester) will also be on the trip.
On the left, this should also be the case for Yannick Carrasco (Atlético Madrid) and Thorgan Hazard (Dortmund) despite their club substitute status. Castagne has also recently been aligned on this side.
The certainties of the environment
In the midfield, the pair Axel Witsel (Atlético Madrid)-Youri Tielemans (Leicester) holds the rope. The versatile Leander Dendoncker (Aston Villa), also able to help out in central defense, and the captain of FC Bruges, Hans Vanaken, have a good chance of accompanying them, because both are called up very regularly. Convincing in September, former Lille Amadou Onana (Everton) could take advantage of the possibility of calling up to 26 players and Martinez’s taste for expanded lists to make his place.
The interrogation Lukaku in attack
On the wings, Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) and Eden Hazard (Real Madrid), despite his complicated situation in Spain, titular parents. Behind them, Leandro Trossard (Brighton) and Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan) stand out as almost certain understudy. This should also have been the case for Alexis Saelemaekers (AC Milan) but his serious injury ruined his chances. In shape, Dodi Lukebakio (Hertha Berlin) could take the opportunity to invite himself. On the other hand, Jérémy Doku, undermined by injuries in Rennes, and Adnan Januzaj (FC Sevilla) will have trouble getting on the right wagon.
At the forefront, Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan) is obviously essential and he will be restored by Qatar, it remains to be seen in what state of form since “Big Room” has not played since August… In his absence , Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahçe / TUR) demonstrated his qualities but also his limits and will be there. Third place should be played between Lensois Loïs Openda and Dries Mertens, not at best since his arrival at Galatasaray… Divock Origi (AC Milan), he is starting from further away.
Belgium’s probable list for the 2022 World Cup
Guardians (3): Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid/ESP), Simon Mignolet (FC Bruges), Koen Casteels (Wolfsburg/GER)
Defenders (8): Toby Alderweireld (Antwerp), Jan Vertonghen (Anderlecht), Arthur Theate (Rennes/FRA), Zeno Debast (Anderlecht), Jason Denayer (Shabab Dubai/UAE), Wout Faes (Leicester/ENG), Thomas Meunier (Dortmund/GER) , Timothy Castagne (Leicester/ENG)
Midfielders (7): Axel Witsel (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Youri Tielemans (Leicester/ENG), Amadou Onana (Everton/ENG), Hans Vanaken (FC Brugge), Leander Dendoncker (Aston Villa/ENG), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City/ENG) , Thorgan Hazard (Dortmund/GER)
Forwards (8): Romelu Lukaku (Inter Milan / ITA) Michy Batshuayi (Fenerbahçe / TUR), Loïs Openda (Lens / FRA), Eden Hazard (Real Madrid / ESP), Leandro Trossard (Brighton / ENG), Yannick Carrasco (Atlético Madrid / ESP), Charles De Ketelaere (AC Milan/ITA), Dodi Lukebakio (Hertha Berlin/GER)