Belgium manager Domenico Tedesco has now confirmed whether or not Nottingham Forest star Matz Sels will start today.
It’s been a bit of a whirlwind six months for the Belgium goalkeeper.
He signed for Forest on transfer deadline day in January and subsequently became the number one for the second half of the campaign.
His strong end to 2023/24 saw him rewarded by Tedesco as he kept goal in games against the Republic of Ireland and England.
Forest star Sels was praised by the national media for his efforts in both games – saving a penalty in the clash over in Dublin.
Now, some news has come to light ahead of Belgium preparing to start their Euro 2024 campaign against Slovakia later today.
Belgium manager makes decision involving Forest star Matz Sels
With Thibaut Courtois not available for selection, it’s led to some uncertainty over who will start in goal today.
Now, however, Koen Casteels has done an interview with Belgian outlet DH Net and has claimed that he’s been given the nod.
After keeping goal in the March internationals, this will come as a bit of a blow for Sels given his form with Forest.
Casteels plays for Wolfsburg and at 31-years-old he looks set to get the nod over Sels who is a year older than his counterpart.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of today’s game with Slovakia, Casteels said: “I’m happy that he declared before the Euros who will be number one. It’s good to have that clarity.”
It represents a blow for Sels given his Forest form but as a model professional he will hope to help Casteels prepare in the best possible fashion.
Sels could also face fight for Forest gloves next season
Playing the second in command might become a normal occurrence for Sels next season, with Forest in the market for a new stopper.
It’s claimed that Forest are close to the signing of Brazilian stopper Carlos Miguel and that will provide competition for Sels.
At 32, he has seen it all before though and the Belgian will be firmly up for the fight of doing the very best that he can.
Sels will naturally be a little bit disappointed not to get the nod to play for Belgium today.
However, he can still look back on a solid second half of 2023/24 and he will prepare himself should anything happen to Casteels at Euro 2024 that prevents him from playing.
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