Belgium’s “golden generation” will look to build on their decent showing at the 2014 World Cup as they travel to France for this summer’s European Championship. Marc Wilmots’ men were touted as dark horses for the 2014 World Cup but crashed out to eventual runners-up Argentina at the quarter-final stage of the competition.
However, this could be their year to make a major impact on the international stage. The Belgium Red Devils have an exceptionally strong squad and Wilmots will be quietly confident of their chances this summer despite drawing Italy, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland in what is widely regarded as the ‘group of death’.
But despite their tricky group, Belgium are still priced at 11/1 to win the competition in Coral’s Euro 2016 betting tips and it would take a brave man to back against Wilmots’ men. On paper, Belgium are arguably one of the top five teams in the competition and they played incredibly well during the qualifying campaign – losing just once in 10 fixtures.
The likes of Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku are likely to receive plenty of media attention this summer. Hazard is widely regarded as one of Europe’s top talents but the Belgian has been linked with a move away from Chelsea after a troubled campaign. Meanwhile, Lukaku could be heading back to Stamford Bridge and the striker will be looking to impress when he goes up directly against the soon-to-be Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
Unfortunately, Wilmots’ men were handed a major blow in the build-up to the competition as Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany suffered a season-ending injury. The 30-year-old will miss the entire tournament but Belgium, priced at 11/10 in Coral’s Euro 2016 betting tips, will still fancy their chances of advancing as group winners.
Speculation is rife at Coral and you can keep up with all of the latest Belgium team news, odds and previews in the build-up and throughout the tournament. Defensively, they will adapt and might even be stronger without Kompany in the side. The City defender has endured a disappointing campaign and this could mean Wilmots opts for the Tottenham Hotspur duo Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
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On current form, Belgium stand a great chance of going all the way this summer. Hazard has found some form in recent weeks whilst De Bruyne more or less led City to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the first time. If the Spurs duo can emulate their Premier League form on the international stage, Belgium might be lifting the European Championship at the Stade de France on July 10th.