Romelu Lukaku Absent from Belgium Nations League Squad as New Coach Tedesco Opts for Youth

New Napoli signing Romelu Lukaku has been left out of Belgium’s squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and France. The omission comes as part of a broader shake-up by Belgium’s head coach Domenico Tedesco, who has decided to rest some senior players and inject fresh talent into the squad.

Lukaku’s exclusion was confirmed just a day after his transfer to Napoli from Chelsea for a reported €30 million ($33.2 million) was finalized. The 31-year-old striker, who endured a challenging spell at Chelsea, requested to be rested from international duty as he settles into his new club. Lukaku’s absence will be felt, as he has been a pivotal figure in Belgium’s attack for over a decade, contributing 75 goals in 110 appearances.

Tedesco, who took over as Belgium’s coach earlier this year, has faced mounting pressure to revitalize a squad that failed to impress at Euro 2024. Belgium was eliminated by France in the last 16, a defeat that highlighted the need for change within the squad. Notably, Tedesco has opted to leave out several high-profile players, including Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has been embroiled in a long-standing dispute with the coach. Courtois’ absence is significant, given his stature and experience, but it reflects Tedesco’s commitment to making bold decisions.

In addition to Lukaku and Courtois, other seasoned players missing from the squad include defenders Axel Witsel and Jan Vertonghen, and wingers Leandro Trossard and Yannick Carrasco. This marks a clear shift away from Belgium’s established core as Tedesco looks to build a team that can compete at the highest level.

To counterbalance the absence of these veteran players, Tedesco has called up a number of young talents. Among the new faces is Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old striker Julien Duranville, who is seen as a potential future star for Belgium. Alongside Duranville is 22-year-old Genoa defender Koni De Winter, and 20-year-old midfielder Arne Engels, who has been linked with a move from Augsburg to Celtic. The inclusion of these young players signals a strategic pivot towards a more dynamic and versatile squad.

Belgium’s opening Nations League fixture against Israel, initially set to take place in Israel, has been relocated to Debrecen, Hungary, due to ongoing political tensions in the region. This logistical change adds another layer of complexity to Belgium’s preparations, but Tedesco’s squad will be keen to put recent disappointments behind them and start the tournament on a positive note.

Tedesco’s decision to rejuvenate the squad with youth is a bold move that reflects the need for renewal after Belgium’s disappointing performances on the international stage. By bringing in young, hungry players, Tedesco aims to build a squad that not only competes but sets the tone for the next generation of Belgian football.

The squad still boasts some experienced names, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans, and Jeremy Doku providing a blend of leadership and skill. De Bruyne, who plays for Manchester City, remains a key figure and will likely play a central role in guiding the younger players through these crucial matches.

As Belgium prepares for its Nations League campaign, the focus will be on how well this new-look squad can gel and perform under Tedesco’s guidance. The matches against Israel and France will serve as an early test of Tedesco’s vision for the future of Belgian football. While the absence of established stars like Lukaku and Courtois may raise questions, the opportunity for emerging talents to make their mark could prove invaluable for Belgium as they seek to rebuild and challenge for top honors in European football.