Walem appointed to Belgium helm

Johan Walem will take over as Belgium's Under-21 coach on 1 July.

Walem succeeds Francky Dury at the helm following his departure in December for Belgian First League outfit SV Zulte Waregem. Walem, formerly a player with RSC Anderlecht, Udinese Calcio and R. Standard de Liège, is currently in charge of Udinese's youth team. Belgium, second in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 8, will be led by Jean François Rémy when they meet England on 29 February, prior to Walem's arrival in the summer.

"After two years with the Anderlecht youth team and two years with the Udinese youth department, this is a nice step forward," said the former Belgian international midfielder. "I want to help to bring Belgian football forward. This new job is a key position and a big sign of faith in me. I did not have to think long before taking it."