Among the best journalists covering Belgium is Kristof Terreur of HLN, and he has tweeted the Belgian line-up for today's game against Ireland. The leaked line-up shows some major changes for Belgium, which will probably make them a bit stronger. Despite some reports of tension between Marc Wilmots and goalkeeper Thibault Courtois, it is expected that the Chelsea 'keeper will keep his place. It is unknown whether they have repaired their relations, or Wilmots has decided that setting aside differences for a few hours was a better alternative to picking Simon Mignolet.
Elsewhere, it appears Marouane Fellaini have been dropped, meaning that the side will have a distinctly Spurs-feel: Moussa Dembele will play in the middle of the park. Oddly, Wilmots has resisted calls to pair Spurs duo Vertonghen and Alderweireld at centre-back, or play three at the back. Here is the team in full:
Belgium line-up: Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen*; Witsel, Dembélé; Carrasco, De Bruyne, Hazard; Lukaku. #bel #irl
— Kristof Terreur (@HLNinEngeland) June 18, 2016
With Dembele picked over Fellaini (bizarrely Belgium's top scorer) expect Belgium to keep the ball much better. Slinging the ball up to Fellaini will be Plan 'B'.
Belgium look fearsome on paper, although their right-back Meunier is the team's weak link, while Vertonghen can be suspect at left-back and Lukaku was rubbish against Italy.
