The surprising news of Thibaut Courtois being left out of the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 has raised eyebrows among football fans and experts alike. Despite being a key player for Real Madrid and on the verge of featuring in the Champions League final, Courtois found himself excluded from the national team. This decision has left many questioning the rationale behind coach Domenico Tedesco’s choice.
Controversial Past Actions
One of the possible reasons for Courtois’ omission could be traced back to his controversial actions in the past. The 32-year-old goalkeeper walked out on the Belgium squad last June after not being named captain following Eden Hazard’s retirement. This move led to a public dispute with coach Domenico Tedesco and criticism from his teammates. Although Courtois has since expressed regret for his actions, it seems that the repercussions are still being felt.
Another factor that may have influenced Tedesco’s decision is Courtois’ injury history. The goalkeeper has been plagued by two serious knee injuries that have sidelined him for a significant part of the season. Despite his return to the pitch against Cádiz in LaLiga and subsequent clean sheets in other matches, there are concerns about his physical readiness for a major tournament like the European Championship.
Tedesco’s Squad Selection
Coach Domenico Tedesco’s decision to name only 25 players in the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 has raised questions among fans and experts. Despite being allowed to take a 26-man squad to the tournament, Tedesco chose to exclude Thibaut Courtois from the final list. This move has garnered mixed reactions, especially considering Courtois’ experience and quality as a goalkeeper.
While Courtois’ absence has been the focal point of discussions, Tedesco’s squad selection did feature some notable inclusions. One of the most surprising comebacks was midfielder Axel Witsel, who had previously announced his international retirement. Tedesco’s visit to Atlético Madrid to persuade Witsel to rejoin the team paid off, as the experienced player was included in the final squad. In addition, veteran defenders like Jan Vertonghen were also given a chance to represent their country, adding valuable experience to the team.
Final Squad Composition
The Belgium squad for Euro 2024 includes a mix of experienced players and promising talents. With goalkeepers like Koen Casteels, defenders like Thomas Meunier, and forward Romelu Lukaku leading the line, there is no shortage of quality in the team. However, the absence of Thibaut Courtois has left a void in the goalkeeping department that will need to be addressed during the tournament.
The exclusion of Thibaut Courtois from the Belgium squad for Euro 2024 has sparked debates and divided opinions. While his controversial past actions and injury concerns may have played a role in coach Domenico Tedesco’s decision, the absence of a top-quality goalkeeper like Courtois could potentially impact Belgium’s performance in the tournament. As fans eagerly await the start of Euro 2024, all eyes will be on the national team as they look to make a mark on the international stage.