Euro 2016 preview: Belgium's golden generation coming of age

Two years after Belgium's World Cup quarter-final exit to Argentina in Brazil, Marc Wilmots' talented, young legion has continued to progress both at club and international level. This could be the opportunity to show just how good this Red Devils' squad is.

When it comes to European Championships, Belgium's record is particularly underwhelming. Its last appearance came in 2000 - awarded only because it shared hosting responsibilities with the Netherlands - and it was dumped out of the group stage below Italy and Turkey.

Wilmots, then a seasoned midfielder with FC Schalke 04, wore No. 7 in the tournament, and the experience must rankle with him; the derisory tally of two strikes from Bart Goor and Emile Mpenza and, the most enduring memory, the mistakes made by goalkeeper Filip De Wilde.

The determination to put things right from Wilmots and the additional two years' experience in his squad could make for an explosive cocktail at Euro 2016.

Group Schedule

Projected Starting XI

Perhaps likely to opt for a more attack-minded 4-2-3-1 against a supposedly lesser opponent, but a 4-3-3 would ensure that Romelu Lukaku isn't left stranded as a lone forward.

Belgium is blessed in midfield options, so while this system would provide a brick wall in midfield, it would also mean that Atletico Madrid's exciting Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, reliable international performer Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens would be on the bench. Michy Batshuayi and Liverpool duo Christian Benteke and Divock Origi would also miss out in attack.

A big issue to overcome has been the repeated injury problems of captain Vincent Kompany. Many formulas have been tested out at the back, including moving Tottenham Hotspur centre-back duo Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld to the full-back positions. Considering the two goals conceded in the final friendly against Norway, the latest experiment with Jason Denayer and Jordan Lukaku instead in those positions might be reassessed.

Key Player: Kevin De Bruyne

Never mind the Didier Drogba comparisons, Lukaku is Brazilian Ronaldo-esque at a gallop, and Alderweireld has proven himself to be a superbly intelligent performer at the back. Arguably the most important Belgian, however, is Kevin De Bruyne. The 24-year-old star didn't buckle at all under the pressure of the £55-million fee Manchester City paid VfL Wolfsburg for him, and is currently vying it out with Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero to be its Player of the Season. De Bruyne doesn't pick and prod at a football, he simply ushers it.

Breakout Star: Jason Denayer

A club teammate of De Bruyne's, although their opportunity to be reunited in the Premier League was restricted by Denayer's loan spell with Galatasaray last season. Though naturally a centre-back and often trusted in that position by Wilmots, it seems likely that Denayer will be deployed on the right of a back four in France. A shame, but still an opportunity to show the composure and positional sense that will earn him a chance to impress under Pep Guardiola in 2016-17.

Tournament Expectations

The forward line does seem a little green, but that could work to its advantage as youthful enthusiasm and fearlessness will take the pitches in France. The group is tricky - Belgium's paired with Ireland, Italy, and Sweden - but that can again work to its benefit as there won't be a match where it can take its foot off the gas.

The concern lies in defence: Wilmots simply hasn't found a solution to replace Kompany. He seems at a loss of when and where to utilise the central defensive talents of Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Denayer, Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Ciman and Christian Kabasele. He needs to make a decision before June 13's kickoff against Italy.

It's suspected Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup in Russia are this exciting Belgium era's two main opportunities to pick up silverware.