“This coach is lost”, “You’re washed” - Fans stunned as Belgium refuse to name 2 players in starting line-up vs Slovakia in Euro 2024

Some fans aren't impressed with Belgium's starting line-up for their UEFA Euro 2024 clash against Slovakia on Monday, June 17. Midfielder Youri Tielemans and defender Maxim De Cuyper don't start for the Red Devils at Deutsche Bank Park.

Belgium were runners-up in the 1980 UEFA European Championship and ranked in third place in 1972, but are yet to claim the title. Meanwhile, Euro 2024 is Slovakia's third appearance in the championship.

Fans flooded social media with posts criticizing The Red Devils' head coach Domenico Tedesco's decisions in the starting XI for their Euro 2024 opener. While some fans were stunned by Youri Tielemans and Maxim De Cuyper being on the bench, some were hopeless about Belgium's chances in the clash.

Here are some reactions on X:

One fan said:

"Benching your best midfielder in Tielemans, yeah you’re washed"

Another added:

"Yeah this coach is lost, Carrasco LB"

"Just play De Cuyper man. Wtf is Carrasco doing at LB in a back 4," chimed in another fan.

One account posted:

"Tieliemens not starting 😂😂"

Another said:

"Aint no way Carrasco ahead of De Cuyper 😭😭"

"Where's De Cuyper? 🫠," said another.

One user wrote:

"Not a LW over De Cuyper man . We might be cooked"

While another wrote:

"Tedesco is a fraud!"

Belgium and Slovakia along with Romania and Ukraine have been sorted into Group E for Euro 2024.

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Belgium national team head coach explains why Thibaut Courtois was not selected for Euro 2024 squad

Belgium national team head coach Domenico Tedesco explained why Thibaut Courtois was not named in the squad ahead of Euro 2024. The goalkeeper had an injury-riddled season as he ruptured the cruciate ligament in his left knee last August and later suffered a meniscus injury in March.

The Real Madrid star was absent for the majority of the 2023-24 season, making only four La Liga appearances, and maintaining clean sheets in all of them. Addressing Courtois' absence from The Red Devils' squad, Tedesco said (via Madrid Xtra):

"Thibaut Courtois has been very clear and honest. The latest information we have received is that he is not ready for the EURO."

The 32-year-old Belgian joined Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2018 and has been regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world currently. Courtois has maintained 95 clean sheets in 234 appearances for Los Blancos.

In his absence, Al-Qadsiah goalkeeper Koen Casteels will start in goal for Belgium.