Big surprise in European Championship selection? “Like Origi at the 2014 World Cup”

The time has come on May 28, when national coach Domenico Tedesco will announce his final selection for the upcoming European Championship. It has now become known that the number of selected players has been increased from 23 to 26 players. And that offers opportunities for surprises.

During the previous two European championships, Belgium was always counted among the (shadow) favorites. However, things went completely wrong in 2016 after a tactical fiasco against Wales. In 2021, a very battered team was defeated in the quarter-finals by the later winner Italy.

The Belgians can take revenge next summer. But they will have to do that with a refreshed selection. Since the last European Championship, a number of regulars have resigned from the national team. And now a new generation is knocking louder on the door.

Flashy Fofana

It will therefore be interesting to see what Tedesco’s final selection will look like. Although most of the names already seem familiar. The national coach will mainly rely on the boys who provided the qualifications. Supplemented with Kevin De Bruyne of course.

But last week UEFA decided that each country will be allowed to take three extra players to the final round in Germany. And that offers Tedesco the opportunity to bring one or two surprising names into his group. Malick Fofana, for example. He is currently doing great in Ligue 1.

Surprise at European Championships?

The 19-year-old attacker made his final breakthrough at AA Gent in the autumn. However, due to financial considerations, he was sold to Olympique Lyon in January. And after a hesitant start he really gained steam. On Monday in the 3-4 comeback against Lille, he scored his second goal in as many games.

Bee La Dernière Heure one cannot rule out that Tedesco will call up the 19-year-old as a white rabbit. If only to allow him to gain experience at a major tournament with a view to the future. “A bit like Marc Wilmots did with Divock Origi at the 2014 World Cup,” said the Walloon medium.