Belgium's women's national football team, known as the Red Flames, are gearing up for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, with the tournament set to be held in Switzerland in July 2025. Here's a comprehensive look at the team, their journey, key players, and prospects.

Background and Qualification

Belgium has secured its place in the Euro 2025, marking their third consecutive appearance in the tournament. To qualify, they navigated through play-offs, overcoming Greece and Ukraine. Historically, Belgium has shown significant improvement in women's football, especially after qualifying for their first major tournament in 2017. In 2022, they demonstrated their growing prowess by reaching the quarter-finals of the Euros, their best performance to date, where they narrowly lost to Sweden.

The Coach

Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir, an experienced Icelandic coach, took the helm of the Red Flames in January 2025, following the departure of Ives Serneels, who had been in charge since 2011. Gunnarsdóttir's coaching career began at a young age, and she has a strong track record with club-level success, particularly with Valur in Iceland and Kristianstads DFF in Sweden. She is known for her emphasis on structure, discipline, and a balanced approach, aiming to bring a fresh identity to the team. Euro 2025 will be her first major tournament with Belgium.

Squad and Key Players

The Red Flames boast a mix of experienced players and rising stars. The squad includes:

• Goalkeepers: Femke Bastiaen, Nicky Evrard, Lisa Lichtfus.
• Defenders: Janice Cayman, Laura Deloose, Isabelle Iliano, Jill Janssens, Sari Kees, Zenia Mertens, Davina Philtjens, Amber Tysiak.
• Midfielders: Tine De Caigny, Marie Detruyer, Elena Dhont, Kassandra Missipo, Jarne Teulings, Justine Vanhaevermaet, Sarah Wijnants.
• Forwards: Jassina Blom, Hannah Eurlings, Mariam Toloba, Ella Van Kerkhoven, Tessa Wullaert.

Several players in the squad also play in the English Women's Super League (WSL), including Janice Cayman and Sari Kees (Leicester City), Amber Tysiak (West Ham), and Justine Vanhaevermaet (Everton).

Key players to watch include:

• Tessa Wullaert: The captain and all-time top scorer for Belgium, Wullaert is crucial to the team's attacking play. Her experience, intelligence, and eye for goal make her a constant threat.
• Janice Cayman: With over 150 appearances for Belgium, Cayman is a versatile and experienced player, capable of playing in midfield or defense, bringing leadership and skill to the team.
• Jill Janssens: A rising star, Janssens is known for her pace, dribbling ability, and attacking awareness, making her a promising player for the future.
• Marie Detruyer: Despite her young age, Detruyer has already made a name for herself, winning the Pro League Awards Women's Player of the Season for 2024-2025.

Playing Style and Tactics

Belgium typically lines up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on a direct and vertical style of play. Their build-up often involves quick, long passes to the wide channels, utilizing the pace of their wing-backs. Defensively, they organize into a compact 5-4-1, aiming to limit central spaces and force play out wide.

Group Stage Challenge

Belgium faces a tough challenge in Group B, alongside Spain, Italy, and Portugal. Recent results in 2025 have been mixed, including a notable 3-2 victory over England but also heavy defeats against Spain and France.

FIFA Ranking

As of March 6, 2025, Belgium is ranked 20th in the FIFA Women's World Rankings. Their highest ranking was 17th, achieved in 2019 and 2020.

Euros History

Belgium reached their first major final tournament by qualifying for UEFA Women's Euro 2017. In Euro 2022, they beat Italy to reach the quarter-finals, marking a significant milestone in their history.

Expectations

While the group is challenging, Belgium's blend of experienced players and emerging talents could make them a dark horse in the tournament. Their aim will be to progress beyond the group stage and potentially replicate or surpass their quarter-final achievement from 2022.