Two countries with aspirations of claiming glory at the European Championship next summer will meet on Friday evening, as Belgium take on Italy in Brussels.

The Red Devils are currently the top-ranked team in world football, but they have some way to go to match the success of their esteemed visitors.

Belgium

The rise of Belgium on the international stage has been one of the big stories in recent years, and their current crop of players are being heralded as the greatest in their history.

They have now climbed all the way to the top of the FIFA rankings, leaving world champions Germany and Lionel Messi‘s Argentina trailing in their wake.

Belgium’s future didn’t look so bright four years ago, when they failed to qualify for Euro 2012, but the appointment of Marc Wilmots as manager sparked an upturn in form as they began their quest to reach the 2014 World Cup.

The Red Devils made light work of their qualifying group and went unbeaten as they made it to their first World Cup in 12 years, eventually being knocked out in the last eight by losing finalists Argentina.

It was a similar story in their Euro 2016 qualifying group as they sealed first place, although they did suffer a 1-0 defeat against a Gareth Bale-inspired Wales in June.

They have rolled off four straight wins since that defeat in Cardiff, but the hard work will start now for Wilmots and his players, as they go into next summer’s championship in the rare position of being one of the favourites.

Recent form: LWWWW

Italy

Another of the frontrunners to win next summer’s tournament are Italy, who booked their ticket to France by cruising through their qualifying group unbeaten.

They eventually finished four points clear of nearest challengers Croatia, but they have been harshly criticised for their performances after scoring just 16 goals in their 10 group games.

A number of their star players have also come under fire, including veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who has not been called up to the latest squad.

Antonio Conte has also hinted that he may not take the former Juventus man to next year’s finals, with his decision to move to American to play for New York City FC a major factor.

Despite Pirlo’s absence, the Italians have a number of experienced players in their side, with captain Gianluigi Buffon set to win his 153rd international cap.

The Azzurri will also be hoping to end a 48-year wait for European glory, having finished runners-up to Spain in the previous tournament three years ago.

Recent form: LWWWW

Team News

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been forced to withdraw from the Belgium squad after picking up an injury in training last week, while Jordan Lukaku is also ruled out.

Captain Vincent Kompany is expected to play despite sitting out training on Tuesday, and Eden Hazard should start in the attack, despite his poor form at club level.

Meanwhile, Stefano Okaka, Claudio Marchisio and Alessio Cerci have all returned to the Italy set-up, with midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini also given a chance to impress after his recent exploits at Bologna.

The Azzurri also have two of Europe’s most in-form strikers in their squad, with Southampton’s Graziano Pelle and Sampdoria forward Eder expected to lead the line.

Belgium possible starting lineup:
Courtois, Alderweireld, Kompany, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Nainggolan, Witsel, Dembele, De Bruyne, Hazard, Lukaku

Italy possible starting lineup:
Buffon, Darmian, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Sciglio, Parolo, Montolivo, Marchisio, Candreva, Eder, Pelle

Head To Head

Italy have an impressive record against Belgium and they have lost only one of the previous eight meetings between the two countries.

It was the Azzurri who won the last time they played, as two goals from Antonio Di Natale helped them on their way to a 3-1 victory in Florence.

NaijaBet Odds

As at this post Belgium has 2.05  odd to win the match on NaijaBet while Italy has 3.63 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 3.21 .

         vs

Spain came through Euro 2016 qualifying with nine wins and one defeat. They finished five points clear of Slovakia and eight ahead of Ukraine to ensure they will defend their Euro title in the finals in France next year. Results in friendly internationals over the last 12 months or so have been less than convincing. Since the dismal showing in the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil the Spanish were beaten 1-0 in France and 1-0 at home to Germany at the end of last year and in 2015 they lost 2-0 away to the Netherlands in March and in their most recent friendly they won 2-1 at home to Costa Rica.

Watch the media for news of any withdrawals or injury updates to the squad named by Vicente del Bosque.

Spain Squad: Iker Casillas, David De Gea, Sergio Rico

Juanfran, Mario Gaspar, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Marc Bartra, Jordi Alba, Cesar Azpilicueta.

Mikel San Jose, Koke, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla, Isco, Andres Iniesta, Thiago, Nolito.

Pedro, Juan Mata, Paco Alcacer, Alvaro Morata, Diego Costa

England’s record in qualifying for Euro 2016 was even more impressive as they coasted through their group with ten straight wins to finish nine points clear of runners up Switzerland. Like Spain, Roy Hodgson’s side also had a poor 2014 World Cup finals but they are undefeated since then. Recent friendly international results comprise of four draws and two wins. Three of those friendly matches were away fixtures and England won 3-1 against the Scots and drew 1-1 in Italy and 0-0 against the Irish in Dublin.

Roy Hodgson named the following squad although James Milner is reportedly doubtful.

England squad: 

Butland, Hart, Heaton

Bertrand, Cahill, Clyne, Gibbs, Jones, Smalling, Stones, Walker;

Alli, Barkley, Carrick, Delph, Dier, Lallana, Milner, Shelvey

Sterling, Kane, Rooney, Vardy

Head to Heads

12/11/11 INTF England 1-0 Spain

11/02/09 INTF Spain 2-0 England

07/02/07 INTF England 0-1 Spain

17/11/04 INTF Spain 1-0 England

28/02/01 INTF England 3-0 Spain

NaijaBet odds

As at this post Spain has 1.73  odd to win the match on NaijaBet while England has 4.88 odd to win the match also, while the odd to draw the match is 3.41