Inside Domenico Tedesco's new-look Belgium: Jeremy Doku, Man United target Lois Openda and Johan Bakayoko are the new stars - but Golden Generation veteran Romelu Lukaku is still going strong

In Kevin De Bruyne's defence, he was at least honest. The manager has overseen an unbeaten run since he was appointed in February last year Romelu Lukaku is one of a handful of old stars still in Tedesco's squad The Roma forward has been in rich form for his country and was the top scorer in Euro 2024 qualifying with 14 goals After carving out a ruthlessly attack-minded style of play at Leipzig, Tedesco is now able to call upon a veritable dream line-up of young, threatening talent - often lead by one of the few familiar faces left in the side. Lukaku could yet find his place in the starting XI under fire from RB Leipzig striker Lois Openda Jeremy Doku is one of the nation's brightest attacking talents and regularly features in the side The Manchester City starlet is only in his first season at the Etihad but already impressing Also helping to ease the transition between old and new is De Bruyne, although the midfielder has been ruled out of this wave of friendly matches after picking up a groin strain on duty for his club. Belgium's 25-man squad GK: Thomas Kaminski GK: Matz Sels GK: Koen Casteels GK: Arnaud Bodart DF: Zeno Debast DF: Arthur Theate DF: Wout Faes DF: Jan Vertonghen DF: Timothy Castagne DF: Thomas Meunier DF: Olivier Deman DF: Koni De Winter MF: Amadou Onana MF: Youri Tielemans MF: Orel Mangala MF: Aster Vranckx MF: Arthur Vermeeren MF: Charles De Ketelaere FW: Jeremy Doku FW: Leandro Trossard FW: Romelu Lukaku FW: Dodi Lukebakio FW: Lois Openda FW: Michy Batshuayi FW: Johan Bakayoko But while one Manchester City player's absence inarguably puts Belgium at a disadvantage, another Etihad casualty has paved the way for the rise of one of the nation's brightest stars. Thibaut Courtois had a public falling-out with Tedesco after he wasn't awarded the captaincy Matz Sels is one of a number of 'keepers in the side with limited international experience - but Jan Vertonghen remains a trusty defensive marshal Koni De Winter is one of a number of young defenders keen to learn from Belgium's highest-capped player Nor is a leaky defence an issue as things stand, with Belgium having conceded just five goals under Tedesco's stewardship, even in the face of a revolving-door of players as the manager seeks to blood newcomers De Winter, Debast, and Werder Bremen's Olivier Deman.