Euro 2024: ‘Too early’ for Belgium future decision – Kevin de Bruyne

Belgium’s veteran Kevin de Bruyne believes it is too early to take a call on his International career. Belgium was knocked out of the Euro 2024 after they suffered a 1-0 loss against France at the Mierkul Spiel Arena on Monday.

Jan Ventonghen’s deflection was able to put Les Bleus in front in the 85th minute. Meanwhile, Bruyne, 33, is one of the most successful players of Belgium but he has failed to win a major trophy with the country.

Bruyne was part of Belgium’s squad, which finished in the third place in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

“It’s too early to answer,” De Bruyne told reporters when asked whether the defeat to France could spell the end of his international career. “Let me process this loss. It’s a been a very long season. I need to rest my body. I will make my decision after the summer.”

Belgium’s head coach Domenico Tedesco revealed the talismanic midfielder is part of his plans for the 2026 World Cup, which will be collectively hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“He knows how important he is,” Tedesco said of the Manchester City midfielder’s comments at a news conference. “He doesn’t need my opinion about it because he knows. Immediately after the game, it’s difficult to ask these kind of questions to Kevin.”

Romelu Lukaku and De Bruyne had their chances to put Belgium in front but the duo could not grab them.

“It is a pity,” De Bruyne added. “We had a plan and we executed that plan pretty well. We knew that with France’s qualities they would have more of the ball, but I think we defended well as a team and didn’t concede many chances apart from a few long shots.

“We had our moments, although there weren’t very many. But we could be dangerous. Our plan was good until their goal came, with the deflection, there is not a lot we can say about that. It’s unfortunate, so we have to accept it.”

France, on the other hand, will face Portugal in the quarterfinal.