Belgium

Belgium finished above neighbours the Netherlands in the elite round, with qualification providing further evidence of their flourishing youth set-up. Under-17 semi-finalists on home soil in 2007, Belgium line up in a typical 4-3-3 formation and there is strength throughout the team.

Goalkeeper Jens Teunckens conceded just twice in qualifying, RSC Anderlecht central defender and U17 captain Wout Faes offers leadership, while Club Brugge KV striker Dennis Van Vaerenbergh hit five goals in six games. "Our goal was to qualify and I congratulate my players," coach Bob Brawaeys said. "They've worked very hard. With this mentality we can also have a good final tournament."

Qualifying round: Azerbaijan 3-0, Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1, Switzerland 0-1 (Group 10 winners)

Elite round: Northern Ireland 4-0, Georgia 4-0, Netherlands 0-0 (Group 3 winners)

Team records

Qualifying top scorer
Dennis Van Vaerenbergh: 5

UEFA European Under-17 Championship best
Semi-finals: 2007

Coach: Bob Browaeys

Date of birth: 19 September 1968
Nationality: Belgium
Playing career: KSV Waregem, VV Horebeke, KSV Sottegem, K. Olsa Brakel, SK Bellem
Coaching career: Belgian U15s, U16s, U17s

A former top-flight goalkeeper with Waregem, Browaeys has worked for the Royal Belgian Football Association (URBSFA-KBVB) since 1999. He retired from playing aged 32 to concentrate on his role with the URBSFA-KBVB and in 2007 he led an U17 squad featuring Eden Hazard to the semi-finals of the European Championship on home soil.