Geert Verheyen chooses his starting team for the European Championship from the Red Devils: “I would have chosen Mangala for Tielemans’ goals”

Geert Verheyen almost completely rules out Thibaut Courtois' presence in the European Championship. “I assume his refusal is final. He's also injured, so I don't expect that to happen.”

But? “It's a tough choice between Sells and Castells,” Verheyen says. “My preference is Matz Sells, because I've seen him play a lot. In terms of quality, Koen Castells is better than me.”

However, the 50-time international picks Sales in goal. “He has been in goal in more matches than Castels. Sils has also made the most of his chances in recent matches.”

Arthur Theat, Jan Vertonghen, Wout Weiss and Timothy Castagne form the defense in Geert Verheyen's starting line-up. For him there is one certainty. “They are all interchangeable, except for Jan Vertonghen, his position is fixed.”

Verheyen places Wout Faes next to the Anderlecht centre-back. “Just like with Sels and Casteels, I have my doubts. Zeno Debast fits in here too, but I personally chose Faes.”

Arthur Theate could take a seat at left-back in place of Verheyen. “There is little competition in this position. Olivier Demane is not competitive in a four-man defence.”

Verheyen still works with Faes and Theate at KV Oostende. Does that play a role? He added, “This is not an important reason, but for me they have an advantage. I know them well.”

Then there's the right back. “Timothy Castagne is younger and more dynamic than Thomas Meunier. You can also rotate in this position. The difference is not that big in some positions. My judgment might be different tomorrow,” says Verheyen.

There are few doubts about Gert Verheyen in midfield. Kevin De Bruyne, who was not present during the international break due to a minor injury, will be included in the starting lineup for the European Championship. Amadou Onana is also in Verheyen's starting lineup.

Verheyen's third midfielder has not yet been identified. “If Youri Tielemans reaches his level, he deserves this place. Otherwise, you can also go for Uriel Mangala.”

“He also performed great in the last matches. For the match against England, I would have put Uriel Mangala there. Now it would be illogical not to choose Tielemans,” says Verheyen.

Up front, we see Jeremy Doku, Romelu Lukaku and Leandro Trossard in Geert Verheyen's ideal starting lineup. Lobacchio and Bakayoko will have to settle for a place on the bench.

“I think Dodi Lukebakio is inconsistent at the moment, just like Johan Bakayoko,” Verheyen says. “Trossard is better and more consistent at the moment. You know more what you're going to get.”

The question then is where exactly should Trossard and Doku play. “Troussard prefers to play on the left flank, but so does Dooku. One of them will have to sacrifice himself, or you can change during the match. One of them will have to play on the right flank.”

Finally, Verheyen also looks at the strength of the team. “The central pivot is indispensable. Vertonghen, De Bruyne and Lukaku are the mainstays. The rest will depend on the shape of the moment. Many players are interchangeable.”