While Belgium continues to possess fantastic players, the team is currently undergoing a generational shift. The recent 1-0 defeat to France in the round of 16 further underscores that a golden generation of players has come and gone, signaling a need for renewal.

In what many considered a disappointing Euro 2024 for Belgium, their biggest star Kevin De Bruyne is contemplating his future. Although he has placed his international career in doubt as he evaluates his options.

Kevin De Bruyne’s Future with Belgium

Kevin De Bruyne commented on his future with the Belgian national team: “It’s too early to answer. Let me process this loss… It’s been a very long season, and I need to rest my body. I will make my decision after the summer.”

Kevin De Bruyne has been a cornerstone of the Belgium national football team, showcasing exceptional playmaking abilities and vision since his debut in 2010. Known for his precise passing, powerful shots, and strategic awareness on the field, De Bruyne has played a pivotal role in Belgium’s rise as a formidable force in international football.

His contributions were instrumental in Belgium’s third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where he provided crucial assists and scored key goals throughout the tournament, cementing his status as one of the team’s star players.

Beyond the World Cup, De Bruyne has been a consistent performer in UEFA European Championship qualifiers and finals, helping Belgium achieve top rankings in FIFA’s world standings.

His technical prowess and leadership have made him a vital figure in the national team’s midfield, earning accolades such as Belgian Footballer of the Year multiple times. De Bruyne continues to be a linchpin for Belgium, guiding the team with creativity and determination on the international stage.

L’Équipe reports unease among players regarding Deschamps’ methods. Following a tense exchange with Camavinga after a draw against Poland, where Deschamps criticized the midfielder for on-field mistakes, tensions have risen within the team.

Antoine Griezmann’s benching for the first time in eight years has sparked national debate. Deschamps reproached him during the Poland game for late reactions, highlighting dissatisfaction with substitutes’ performances compared to starters.

France players and Deschamps at odds during Euros

Criticism extends to Deschamps’ substitution strategies. In the match against the Netherlands, minimal changes were made, leaving key players without playing time, fueling dissatisfaction within the squad.

Players feel training intensity isn’t sufficient for Eurocup preparation, evident in France’s minimal goal output and lack of tactical diversity. With a divided dressing room and questionable tactics, optimism is waning for France’s tournament prospects.

Deschamps faces a crucial opportunity against Belgium in the round of 16 to redeem team morale and dispel doubts. His secretive lineup decisions and communication style, seen as distant and unempowering by players and pundits alike, reopen longstanding concerns within the French team.

Belgium’s sole victory in the competition was a 2-0 effort over Romania, with a goal by Kevin De Bruyne. However, the team was held scoreless for the second time in the group phase against Ukraine in their 0-0 draw.

Now advancing to the round of 16 by finishing second in their group, Belgium will need to improve quickly or face elimination. The team has been subpar for much of their three games, and their fans made their dissatisfaction clear.

Belgium fans boo whole squad

After the match, when Kevin De Bruyne attempted to gather the team to applaud the supporters who had gathered at the MHPArena, a sea of boos descended from the stands. In response, the Belgium star and captain of the national team instructed the players to walk off the field, which only prompted more boos.

Kevin De Bruyne has been instrumental for the Belgium national team, playing key roles in their World Cup campaigns, including a third-place finish in 2018 and a runner-up position in Euro 2020. He holds the record for the most assists in Belgium’s history, showcasing his leadership and playmaking abilities on the international stage.

By increasing three more spaces, it made some roster decisions more flexible, and teams were able to add key players who under other circumstances would have been left out of a major tournament.

UEFA has stated that they are looking into and analyzing the possibility of increasing the roster space and will make a formal announcement shortly prior to the Euro Cup in the summer.

Conmebol coaches also looking for 26-man rosters for Copa America

According to Varsky Sports, coaches from the Conmebol nations have also raised awareness that they want the confederation to look into increasing the roster space and while Conmebol has not released a statement on this it looks likely they will also analyze the request.

26-man rosters and increasing substitutions from 3 to 5 came about following the Covid-19 pandemic, since then the 5 player substitution rule in 3 changing intervals has become a norm in World soccer, and the 26- man roster is slowly also becoming the new norm for major tournaments.

Now the Three Lions have been drawn into a group with Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia in Group C, hardly a push over group. Gareth Southgate’s men will not have it easy as England looks to finally get over the hump and bring a cup home.

The team will have the support of their wives and girlfriends, or better known as WAGS. Here are the details of the luxury castle the companions will be staying at in Germany.

Where will England WAGS be staying in Euros 2024

According to The Sun the WAGS have decided on a five-star Schlosshotel resort in Kronberg, where the cost is $2,200 per night, and/or the Schloss Auel Boutique Hotel in Lohmar.

The Sun source stated, “They’re keen to let their hair down after being restricted in Qatar but still want their own privacy. The ones they’ve picked out so far are deep within the countryside, surrounded by woodland and protected from prying eyes.”

The WAGS include Kieran Trippier’s wife Charlotte, Jordan Pickford’s wife Megan, Harry Maguire’s wife Fern, Kyle Walker’s wife Annie and Luke Shaw’s partner Anouska Santos.

Other teams like the Netherlands and Croatia will have to play in a play-in round and that could leave some major stars out of the biggest European national team tournament.

Below is a list of four big time players that could miss the 2024 Euros if things don’t go their way in the next few matches.

Erling Haaland

In what would be a brutal blow for the Manchester City striker, Norway still needs to defeat Scotland in order to get to a play-off series and get to Euro 2024.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Italy is in a playoff spot but still the Italian side has been largely unconvincing, going 3-2-1 in the group and behind the likes of Ukraine in the standings.

Luka Modric

Croatia still has a chance to get to the tournament via the playoffs, but it could very well be Luka Modric’s last big tournament. Croatia have earned a 3-2-1 record during the group stage.

Robert Lewandowski

Poland has it tough to make the Euros, with a 3-3-1 record, Poland has one more chance against the Czech Republic, in what could be one of Robert Lewandowski’s last matches in international play.