Qualification for Euro 2024 is hotting up and we’ve got a cracking encounter to look forward to on Friday night, as Austria host Belgium. Both nations remain unbeaten in qualifying and are tied at the top of the group on 13 points.

Team News

Premier League regulars are littered throughout Belgium’s squad, with Jeremy Doku in particular looking to have more influence on his national team. He’s joined by Orel Mangala, Wout Faes, Timothy Castagne, Andre Onana and Youri Tielemans, while captain Romelu Lukaku is hoping to keep up his remarkable goalscoring record for his country. 

Austria, now led by Ralf Rangnick, have a youthful squad, with Florian Kainz the most senior member at 30 years old. Wolves’ giant striker Saša Kalajdžić is bound to cause opponents difficulty while former Leeds defender Max Wober is crucial at the heart of defence. 

Belgium to win @ 6/4

The last time these two sides met they shared the spoils, in a 1-1 draw in Brussels, but I still believe Belgium are the superior side. Even travelling away from home, the 6/4 on offer for them to win marks excellent value in my eyes. 

Belgium have been in fine form, winning their last three qualifiers without conceding a single goal. They also beat Sweden 3-0 away in this qualification campaign and have beaten Germany 3-2 on the road in 2023. They haven’t lost since the World Cup, and under the reign of Domenico Tedesco have certainly improved. 

Austria’s form has been excellent as well, and that point in Brussels has given them an excellent chance of qualification. However, they have only kept one clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions, and they recently disappointed in a 1-1 draw with Moldova. The away side are a good price to take all three points here. 

Romelu Lukaku to score anytime @ 6/4

No player has scored more goals in Euro 2024 qualifying than Romelu Lukaku. With eight goals to his name already, the Roma striker is level with Rasmus Hojlund and well clear of the likes of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe. Domestically he is also in good form this season, having scored five goals in six games under Jose Mourinho. 

The loan to Roma appears to have reignited his career, and now under his former boss he has found confidence again in Italy. For Belgium, he is their talisman and as the rest of the golden generation has melted away, he has remained a constant. He’s also delivered when his team has needed him and in this crucial qualifier, can step up to the plate once again.