Former national coach Marc Wilmots has told the Belgian media a reason for their defeat to Wales at Euro 2016 was down to having an inexperienced back four. Wilmots stepped down after the tournament to be replaced by former Everton manager Roberto Martinez.
Wilmots said he was proud of their Euros campaign, but believes defeat to Wales was down to having key players missing. Wilmots believes they suffered from not having the likes of Vincent Kompany and Jan Vertonghen in the team because they brought experience with them.
“I am proud of the course we have taken. We went out against Wales because we missed a lot of experience: Lombaerts, Vermaelen, Vertonghen and Kompany.
“They can’t be replaced simply.”
Belgium went into this summer’s Euros as one of the favourites to win the competition. However, they exited the tournament at the quarter final stage after a 3-1 defeat to Wales in Lille.
Wilmots feels the perception of his performance as manager is unfair, believing he did a good job with the players available and helped put the Belgian national team back on the map.
