Huybrechts looks ahead to Belgium's Euro 2020 hopes: "I believe in winning the title, with France as the biggest competitor"

In the run-up to the start of Euro 2020, which starts on June 11, DartsNews looks ahead to the tournament through the lens of darts players with Kim Huybrechts today talking about the chances of Belgium.

Huybrechts of course as expected during an interview with DartsNews.com indicated that he is a huge Belgium fan. "So I am really looking forward to the European Championship! Of course I watch the matches of the Belgian national team, but I will also follow all other matches."

Belgium, one of the favourites for the title, are currently plagued by injuries. Key player Kevin De Bruyne, for example, suffered a fracture to the nose and left eye socket in the Champions League final. "It is of course a great loss if De Bruyne is not there, but in the meantime the reports are hopeful," says Huybrechts. "Eden Hazard and Axel Witsel are also struggling with injuries. Fortunately, we do have a class where we can already miss a good player and still be able to substitute quality."

Roberto Martinez has been the national coach since 2016 and Huybrechts thinks he does his job quite well. "I would play the way the team looks now. So Courtois in goal. Vertonghen, Alderweireld and Denayer in the center. Meunier and Castagne on the flanks. De Bruyne and Tielemans in the middle. And Eden Hazard, Mertens and Lukaku in front. "Many players out like Witsel, Thorgan Hazard and Carrasco. I might have selected Ritchie De Laet myself. He plays at Antwerp, the club of my heart, has a fantastic season and is a very hard worker."

Huybrechts does not have to think long about his favorite 'Red Devils' moment. That is the decisive goal deep into injury time in the quarter-finals of the 2018 World Cup against Japan. "It was a fantastic counter, finished by Nacer Chadli and we eventually won 3-2. Also the 2-1 win in the quarter-finals of the same World Cup against Brazil was one of my favourite matches."

Finally, we surveyed Huybrechts' expectations regarding Belgium's chances at the upcoming European Championship. "Of course I hope for the overall victory, but it will be difficult because there are many good countries such as France, Spain, England and also Portugal, Italy and Germany are always good! Moreover, several of those countries also have home advantage. I believe in winning the title with France as the biggest competitor," concludes Huybrechts.