Topics: Euro 2016, Blegium, Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany, Divock Origi, Christian Benteke,
Belgium has released the list of players who will represent the country in the much-anticipated Euro 2016 tournament.

Belgium manager Marc Wilmots has named a provisional 24-man squad to represent the country in the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament. Interestingly, half of the squad consists of players who ply their trades for different Premier League sides. The European giants will, however, be without their captain Vincent Kompany who is nursing an injury. As a result, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard is set to take over the captain’s armband.

The captaincy role could inspire Hazard to perform even better at the international level, following a goal-drought that lasted close to a year at the beginning of the season. He now seems to have rediscovered his goal-scoring boots, and was on target when Liverpool hosted Chelsea on Wednesday night at Anfield. 

Speaking moments after the release of the squad, coach Wilmots said:

"Vincent Kompany's absence is sad for him and for the team. He's a leader. He will not be part of the staff."

"In Vincent Kompany's absence, Hazard will be our captain."

The 47-year-old tactician also confirmed that one player, most probably a defender, will be dropped from the squad before the June 1 deadline set by UEFA. Liverpool’s Divock Origi, who has been instrumental for the English side before picking up an injury earlir last month, has also been included in the squad. The 21-year-old is now racing against time to be fit before the much-anticipated tournament, and could start alongside his club and national team mate Christian Benteke.

Speaking of Benteke, he has had quite a disappointing season at Anfield if his performance with Aston Villa last season was anything to go by. The 25-year-old was the top scorer for the Villans with 15 goals the entire season in all competitions. On the other hand, Origi has scored 10 goals in 32 games for Liverpool in all competitions this season, compared to Benteke’s 10 goals in 39 appearances.

Here is the full Belgium squad:

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois [Chelsea], Simon Mignolet [Liverpool], Jean-François Gillet [Mechellen].

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld [Spurs], Dedryck Boyata [Celtic], Jason Denayer [Man City], Björn Engels [Brugge], Nicolas Lombaerts [St. Petersburg], Jordan Lukaku [Oostende], Thomas Meunier [Brugge], Thomas Vermaelen [Barcelona], Jan Vertonghen [Spurs].

Midfielders: Mousa Dembele [Spurs], Marouane Fellaini [Man Utd], Radja Nainggolan [Roma], Axel Witsel [St. Petersburg], Eden Hazard [Chelsea], Kevin De Bruyne [Man City], Yannick Carrasco [Atletico Madrid], Dries Mertens [Napoli].

Forwards: Michy Batshuayi [Marseille], Christian Benteke [Liverpool], Divock Origi [Liverpool], Romelu Lukaku [Everton].

And the reactions to Hazard being named the captain: