Many people have Belgium as the favorites for winning this summer's Euro 2016 competition. Here are 11 reasons as to why I agree:
1. Romelu Lukaku
The Everton striker has enjoyed an absolutely fantastic season in the Premier League. Despite his team’s collective struggles, the 22-year-old striker has notched 18
goals in 29 games. With a
better supporting cast behind him in the Euros, the sky seems to the be the limit with this incredibly prolific goal scorer.
2. Eden Hazard
Despite having an absolutely abysmal season with Chelsea, Hazard will be a formidable threat with the Belgians. You get the feeling Hazard simply needs a change of scenery at Chelsea, something this Belgium team will provide. Hazards talent and ability are undeniable; however, many doubt he has what it takes to take his game to the next level. Whether he stays at Chelsea or moves somewhere else, he will definitely be playing with a chip on his shoulder, feeling like he has something to prove.
3. Kevin De Bruyne
Things started well for De Bruyne in the Premier League. You can’t help but think that if it weren’t for his injury problems, De Bruyne would be the best player in the Manchester City lineup. His vision and ability on and off the ball will be one of Belgium’s biggest strengths this
summer. Look for him to be chipping,
dinking and sneaking passes past defenders this summer (and maybe having an audacious attempt on goal too).
4. Nacer Chadli
His club team, Tottenham, is enjoying quite a successful season this year. Chadli, however, has fallen down the pecking order in the teams starting lineup. The midfielder will want to make the most of his playtime at the Euros to regain the trust of his club manager. Chadli is a very talented player that will be
motivated by his lack of playtime, that is a dangerous combination that will undoubtedly make life difficult for any defender that gets in his way.
5. Kevin Mirallas
The 28-year-old seems to be following the same storyline as most of his Belgian companions. The incredibly talented Everton forward has not enjoyed a very successful season with his club team. Having only two goals scored this Premier League campaign Mirallas will be looking to spark his career back to
life in this summer’s tournament.
6. Dries Mertens
The Napoli winger has had a good season this year. Scoring 12 goals in all competitions, he will be looking to bring that goal scoring touch to this summer’s Euros. More than just a goal scorer, he is a great ball dribbler, passer and at 28 years old, is in the prime of his career. Mertens will be hungry to win his first major trophy for Belgium, and being at the prime of his career, is set up for tremendous success.
7. Axel Witsel
The 27-year-old Zenit St Petersburg central-midfielder has made it clear that he wants to leave the Russian Premier League for greener pastures. Witsel will be playing at the
heart of the Belgian midfield; he will want to put on a good show not only for his country but also for all the scouts sitting in the stands watching his performances. Witsel is a true center midfielder, strong on and off the ball, a good passer and a leader. His level of play will directly affect how well Belgium will do in this year’s tournament
8. Jan Vertonghen
The Tottenham Hotspur defender will be at the heart of the Belgian backline in this summer’s tournament. The 28-year-old center back has enjoyed great success in the Premier League this year and will be hoping to bring that to the Belgian lineup. With Vincent Kompany still being a major unknown, Vertonghen will be seen as one of the teams major leaders and will be heavily relied on to keep the Belgian backline in check. Luckily, the 28-year-old is at the top of his game, and will be looking to capitalize on that this summer.
9. Tobi Alderweireld
Having played every game for Tottenham this Premier League campaign, Alderweireld will be feeling confident in his ability to stop any winger that comes his way. The outside back already has a great understanding with his Spurs teammate Jan Vertonghen, something that will only strengthen the Belgians chances of success.
10. Vincent Kompany
Captain for club and country, Kompany has suffered a terrible season full of injury and hardship. The center back is traditionally very reliable and a great leader. Unfortunately, he has missed most of Manchester City’s season because of one injury after another. With less than eight games left in the season, Kompany could miss the remainder of his
clubs games. Let's hope for the sake of Belgium that Kompany is fully fit for the start of Euro 2016.
11. Thibaut Courtois
Arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. Thibaut Courtois will be essential for Belgium’s success in this summer’s tournament. The keeper has had a fantastic second half in the Premier League this season, and will be hoping to carry on that success to this summers Euros. The 23-year-old has a long career ahead of him, but with this being Belgium's “golden generation” who knows if he will have the same opportunity at success ever again; he will certainly not want to give this chance up.
The Everton striker has enjoyed an absolutely fantastic season in the Premier League. Despite his team’s collective struggles, the 22-year-old striker has notched 18 goals in 29 games. With a 
Despite having an absolutely abysmal season with Chelsea, Hazard will be a formidable threat with the Belgians. You get the feeling Hazard simply needs a change of scenery at Chelsea, something this Belgium team will provide. Hazards talent and ability are undeniable; however, many doubt he has what it takes to take his game to the next level. Whether he stays at Chelsea or moves somewhere else, he will definitely be playing with a chip on his shoulder, feeling like he has something to prove. 
