Arne Engels has been left disappointed by a surprising decision to omit him from the Belgium National Team. The 21-year-old has been a regular fixture in the squad but was not included for the forthcoming Nations League games against Ukraine.
Engels will be disappointed, especially given Rangers midfielder Raskin has been called up. This will give Engels the added incentive in Sunday’s Glasgow Derby when the pair face off in the middle of the park.
A new chapter begins. 🔱 pic.twitter.com/gKtaGg9EgS
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) March 14, 2025
Celtic signed the player for £11m last summer as they sought to replace £30m-departure Matt O’Riley. The Danish Internationalist departed for Brighton and was replaced by the Belgian star that was plying his trade in the Bundesliga.
Engels has scored 10 goals and assisted 12 times in 42 appearances for Celtic since signing from Augsburg. The midfielder has settled seamlessly into the Celtic side under Brendan, replacing O’Riley as the third midfielder alongside Reo Hatate and Callum McGregor.
Engels has impressed since signing, especially in the UEFA Champions League. The performance away from home against Bayern Munich was particularly impressive so it is all the more surprising that the player hasn’t been called up by Rudi Garcia. It may be that the manager will want to cast his eye over other players ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers later this year.
Done nothing to replace Matt O’Riley
I’m astonished that Raskin gets in the Belgium squad ahead of Engels. I don’t understand and keep waiting on Jeremy Beadle jumping out dressed as a coach and saying it’s all a big wind up.
What is going on?