Solving familiar issues key for Belgium

Belgium are currently the highest ranked side in Europe but doubts remain over whether they will be able to gel at Euro 2016.

Sitting second behind Argentina in the global standings, the Red Devils have a squad shimmering with talent, most notably in the likes of Eden Hazard, Axel Witsel and Kevin de Bruyne.

However, for all their ability, Marc Wilmots’ side have occasionally come unstuck and they still appear to lack both the tactical shape and team spirit to beat the best on a consistent basis.

Despite topping their qualifying group, Belgium looked less than comfortable and last June’s defeat to Wales reaffirmed some of their perceived issues. That night in Cardiff they lacked leadership and a number of their key players went missing when it mattered.

This also happened when they crashed out in the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup, but with his squad now older and wiser than two years ago in Brazil, in what was for many their first major tournament experience, Wilmots will expect an improvement.

Belgium are currently 12.00 to win Euro 2016 outright and 2.00 favourites to top a group that also includes Italy, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland. However, there are a number of problems they will need to resolve.

Captain Vincent Kompany’s injury issues remain a concern from both a defensive and leadership point of view. They are also sweating on the fitness of Divock Origi, who looks as if he could be the dynamic forward Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke have failed to be.

On paper, there is no doubt De Rode Duivels have the ability to compete. The time has come for them to start living up to their hype and not let individual egos get in the way of their chance of glory.