Belgium versus Romania LIVE: Belgium take early lead in Cologne

They arrived in Germany with little fanfare, but after an opening round whomping of Ukraine this Romanian side are on the brink of the knockout rounds. A win tonight would make it certain, and they’re on a great run with just one defeat in their last 16 matches. With a nice blend of experience and youth, their head coach Edward Iordănescu looks to have put together a team that could surpass all expectations this summer.

For a Golden Generation, Belgium's crop of players in the last decade or so have been underwhelming on national duty. They finished third in the 2018 World Cup but outside of that achievement, it’s been a hill of quarterfinals and disappointments. With Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel and Vertonghen representing the last of that cohort and now all north of 30, this summer in Germany is surely their last chance to shine on the international stage.

Belgium make three changes to their side. Jan Vertonghen comes in for Zeno Debast at centre half, while Orel Mangala drops out of midfield and is replaced by Youri Tielemans. In the front three, Leandro Trossard makes way for Dodi Lukebakio.

There is one change in the Romanian team that beat Ukraine, with Valentin Mihaila replacing Florinel Coman in the front three.

Belgium: Casteels; Castagne, Vertonghen, Faes, Theate; Onana, Tielemans, De Bruyne; Lukebakio, Lukaku, Doku

Romania: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; Marius Marin, Razvan Marin, Stanciu; Man, Dragus, Mihaila

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Tonight we conclude the second round of matches at Euro 2024, and it’s a biggie in Cologne. After losing their opening game against Slovakia in the upset of the tournament so far, Belgium are up against it; they face a vibrant Romania side that swept to victory against Ukraine in Munich five days ago. Can the remains of Belgium’s most celebrated generation of players bounce back, or will Romania flick them aside on their way to the knockout stages?

Team news to follow shortly.