UEFA Euro 2020 preview: Is Eden Hazard-led Belgium strong enough to dominate Europe?

The 2020 edition of UEFA Euro will be held across Europe from next month. Meanwhile, Belgium is one of the strong sides of the tournament. Although it is yet to win the title to date, having finished as runner-up once, this year could well be the difference-maker for it.

The football fraternity impatiently awaits the beginning of the 2021 UEFA Euro, set to be held across Europe. Having been postponed from last year, it gets underway from June 11, with Portugal being the defending champion.

However, speaking of the contenders of the competition this term, it could be Belgium. Coming off a prolific performance in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, it would be looking to lay its hand on the coveted title for the first time, having come close in 1980. In the same light, we present the preview of the side for the tournament.

Team composition
Experienced veteran Thibaut Courtois would headline the goalkeeping department. Although he did not have a great time with Real Madrid this season, it is unlikely to affect his national cause, while Simon Mignolet would duly support him.

As for its defence, although Jan Vertonghen is the most experience lad in the team, it would be headlined by Toby Alderweireld. The latter, too, had a shaky season with Tottenham Hotspur. However, he was one of the star players of the side and a force in its defence.

In the midfield, Axel Witsel of Borussia Dortmund is the veteran. However, it has to be Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne who would have all the eyes upon. Nonetheless, he has an injury concern, as the Belgian management will have a headache of having him ready for the competition.

As for the forward line-up, skipper Eden Hazard would grab all the eyeballs. While he failed to steer Madrid to any title this season, he is still a force in the forward for Belgium. Also, with the ranks of Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke alongside him, Hazard is indeed a threat.

Players to watch out
Hazard: The former Lille and Chelsea striker moved to Madrid last season. While he was decent in the previous term, he failed this season, scoring just four goals in 21 games. While it would be a concern for him, he has never failed to impress in the Belgian colours.

Lukaku: The Inter Milan striker had a glorious season, helping the side win the Serie A title while he scored 30 in 44 games. Clearly, he has been a force for Inter, while for Belgium, he has been consistent, scoring once in every game he has featured in since 2019. Least to say, he could prove to be the difference-maker.

De Bruyne: The midfielder must be heartbroken following the UEFA Champions League loss to Chelsea. Furthermore, his injury concern, along with a bruised eye, makes him doubtful. Nevertheless, if he is fit in time for the competition, he would play a massive role as the play-maker for the side.

Chances and prediction
Belgium has been on a roll since the FIFA World Cup 2018, having finished third. Although it was shaky in the UEFA Nations League last season, failing even to claim the fourth spot, it tends to boost up during major tournaments. Furthermore, it is sure to feature in the semis with the decent squad it has. But thereon, it would need its A+ game to stand a chance to win the title.

Belgium squad
Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet and Matz Sels.
Defenders: Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Thomas Vermaelen, Thomas Meunier, Jason Denayer, Dedryck Boyata, Leander Dendoncker and Timothy Castagne.
Midfielders: Axel Witsel, Kevin De Bruyne, Nacer Chadli, Yannick Carrasco, Youri Tielemans, Thorgan Hazard, Dennis Praet and Hans Vanaken.
Strikers: Eden Hazard, Dries Mertens, Romelu Lukaku, Christian Benteke, Michy Batshuayi, Jérémy Doku and Leandro Trossard.

Group and fixtures
Belgium is placed in Group B, alongside Denmark, Finland and Russia:
June 12: vs Russia
June 17: vs Denmark
June 21: vs Finland

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