Belgium head into Euro 2025 with cautious optimism under new leadership and a fresh tactical identity. After 14 years at the helm, Ives Serneels was relieved of his duties despite guiding the Red Flames to the tournament through playoffs against Greece and Ukraine. The performances, however, lacked conviction, prompting the Belgian FA to make a bold change by appointing Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir.
Gunnarsdóttir, a seasoned coach from Iceland with years of experience in Sweden, has sought to bring a more modern and adaptable approach to the national setup. Her system sees Belgium defend in a 5-4-1 formation and transition into an attacking 3-4-3, capitalizing on pace and fluidity. Central to this approach are the dynamic runs of striker Tessa Wullaert and right wing-back Jill Janssens. Wullaert, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer, is vital to the team’s offensive output. She draws double marking regularly, but her intelligence allows her to drop deeper when needed to influence play.
In attack, Davina Philtjens pushes into midfield, Jill Janssens joins the frontline, and Hannah Eurlings switches from midfield to a wide attacking role, creating a lively, rotating front three. However, Belgium still struggle with building from the back, often panicking under pressure. Gunnarsdóttir has acknowledged that this is the team’s biggest weakness, and the pre-Euro training focus has been on improving composure and patterns of play in possession.
Their recent form has been a mix of promising results and sobering setbacks. They ended their Nations League campaign strongly with six points from three games against top-tier teams England, Spain, and Portugal, including a headline-making win over reigning champions Spain. But a heavy 5-0 loss to France in their final warm-up exposed lingering vulnerabilities, especially when faced with elite pressing sides.
Injuries have also hit hard, with key defenders Saar Janssen, Laura De Neve, and Féli Delacauw ruled out. Sari Kees, another defensive cornerstone, made the squad after recovering from her own injury troubles.
While Wullaert remains the standout star, forward Mariam Toloba is one to watch. At 25, she has just had a breakout season, being named player of the year in the Belgian Lotto Super League. A skilful dribbler with a fierce shot, she brings flair and unpredictability, even if she starts from the bench.
With Spain likely to top the group, Belgium’s realistic ambition will be to progress to the knockout stages, with Italy and Portugal as beatable opponents. Success will depend on defensive discipline, better control in possession, and, above all, the influence of Wullaert up front.
