Belgium give youth a chance

Under-21 internationals Faris Haroun and Jan Vertonghen have been called up by Belgium for the first time ahead of the two UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifiers next month.

Must-win games
The Red Devils welcome Portugal to Brussels on 2 June before heading to Helsinki four days later to take on Finland. Belgium are fifth in Group A, with seven points from six matches, and are in a precarious qualification position. René Vandereycken's hopes of turning things around could rest on 21-year-old midfielder Haroun and 20-year-old defender Vertonghen. Captain Timmy Simons returns to the international fold after being suspended for the 4-0 defeat in Portugal on 24 March.

Belgium squad
Goalkeepers: Geert De Vlieger (SV Zulte Waregem), Stijn Stijnen (Club Brugge KV), Brian Vandenbussche (SC Heerenveen).

Defenders: Philippe Clement (Club Brugge KV), Carl Hoefkens (Stoke City FC), Daniel Van Buyten (FC Bayern München), Jelle Van Damme (RSC Anderlecht), Peter Van der Heyden (VfL Wolfsburg), Thomas Vermaelen (AFC Ajax), Jan Vertonghen (RKC Waalwijk).

Midfielders: Steven Defour (R. Standard de Liège), Mark De Man (RSC Anderlecht), Tom De Mul (AFC Ajax), Gaëtan Englebert (Club Brugge KV), Marouane Fellaini (R. Standard de Liège), Karel Geraerts (R. Standard de Liège), Faris Haroun (KRC Genk), Maarten Martens (AZ Alkmaar), Gaby Mudingayi (S.S. Lazio), Timmy Simons (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards: Moussa Dembélé (AZ Alkmaar), Emile Mpenza (Manchester City FC), François Sterchele (KFC Germinal Beerschot Antwerpen), Kevin Vandenbergh (KRC Genk).