World Cup 2022 team preview: Last 16 the limit of ageing Belgium

Belgium won Euro 2020 group. Paddy Power trader Will Fenwick takes a look at Belgium's future. He asks if Belgium can win the World Cup in 2022.

Belgium won their World Cup 2022 qualifying group with a goal difference of +19. They dropped two points away to Czech Republic and two to Wales.

Roberto Martinez won the FA Cup with Wigan and got relegated from the Premier League three days later. Everton bought him out of his contract and he had one good season with them before two years of mediocrity saw him being sacked. He took the Belgium job and has been there for six years.

Belgium play a 3-4-2-1 formation with Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard behind Romelu Lukaku. Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld start for Belgium. Thomas Vermaelen retired and is now an assistant coach for the team. Dedryck Boyata, Arthur Theate and Zeno Debast are competing to replace him as starting centre-back.

Belgium have a lot of talent but no replacement for Romelu Lukaku. Thibaut Courtios to Simon Mignolet is another big drop in quality.

Jeremy Doku is a pacy winger who plays for Rennes. He played for Belgium at Euro 2020. Doko has had a number of injuries and missed 30 games last season.

Belgium have a good but aging squad. They are in one of the easiest groups. If they make it to the World Cup this year, they will be underdogs. Belgium will probably face Germany or Spain in the Last 16.

Romelu Lukaku has 68 goals for Belgium from 102 games. Lukakus has had a difficult time at Chelsea. Belgium are expected to win the World Cup.

Belgium play Canada on November 23 at 7pm and Morocco on 27th at 1pm. Croatia play Belgium on December 1st at 3pm (BBC). Paddy Power News has the latest football betting tips and previews.

Paddy Power News offers football betting tips and previews. World Cup 2022 dates, fixtures, groups, kick-off times and schedule for Qatar competition are available. Brazil, France and England are the favourites to win the Golden Boot.