Nicolas Raskin Earns First Senior Belgium Call-Up While Arne Engels Misses Out
Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin has been called up to the Belgium national team for the first time, marking a significant moment in his career. His selection comes ahead of Belgium’s upcoming UEFA Nations League double-header against Ukraine on March 20 (away) and March 23 (home). Raskin’s performances, particularly in Rangers’ impressive Europa League campaign, have played a major role in his selection as he continues to thrive in Glasgow.
Raskin’s Journey to the Belgium Squad
Since joining Rangers from Standard Liège in January 2023, Raskin has experienced highs and lows, including injury setbacks and fitness concerns. However, this season, he has emerged as one of Rangers’ most consistent performers, helping the club progress to the Europa League quarter-finals, where they will face Athletic Bilbao in April. His ability to read the game, dictate play, and provide defensive cover in midfield has caught the attention of Belgium’s head coach, Domenico Tedesco.
The call-up is a huge milestone for Raskin, who had previously represented Belgium at various youth levels but had yet to break into the senior squad. The midfielder had once been linked with a move to Barcelona before Rangers secured his signature, and his development at Ibrox has now been rewarded at the international level.
Arne Engels Dropped from the Belgium Squad
Raskin’s inclusion comes at the expense of Arne Engels, Celtic’s £11 million record signing from Augsburg last summer. The 21-year-old midfielder made his Belgium senior debut in September 2024, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 win over Israel. He then earned his first start in November 2024, playing in a 1–0 loss to Italy, where Belgian media praised his technical ability and work ethic.
Engels’ exclusion from the latest squad may be a reflection of Belgium’s recent struggles, having lost three consecutive matches. Tedesco has opted for a midfield shake-up, and Raskin’s strong form in European competition may have given him the edge over Engels. While Engels remains highly rated, his omission from this squad suggests that he will have to fight for his place in future international breaks.
Star-Studded Belgium Squad Welcomes Raskin
Raskin will now have the opportunity to train and play alongside some of Belgium’s biggest stars, including:
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) – The nation’s midfield maestro and captain.
Romelu Lukaku (Napoli) – Belgium’s all-time top scorer.
Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) – Making his return to the squad after a nearly two-year absence due to a fallout with former coach Tedesco.
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal) – A key attacking option for Belgium.
Courtois’ return to the squad has already caused controversy, as Koen Casteels, who had been Belgium’s starting goalkeeper in his absence, decided to leave the national team in protest of the decision. Raskin’s inclusion also comes alongside another new face, Ajax teenager Jorthy Mokio, who has earned his first senior call-up as well.
What This Means for Celtic and Rangers
From a Scottish football perspective, Raskin’s selection over Engels represents an early psychological blow ahead of the next Old Firm derby. While individual call-ups do not directly affect club matches, it adds an extra layer to the ongoing competition between Celtic and Rangers.
For Rangers, Raskin’s call-up highlights the quality of their squad and the growing recognition of their players on the international stage. His performances in the Europa League have been crucial to their success, and his development under Philippe Clement has been impressive.
For Celtic, Engels’ omission is a reminder that despite his £11 million price tag, he still has work to do to cement his place as a key player for both club and country. Engels has been a consistent performer in Brendan Rodgers’ midfield, but the competition in the Belgium squad is fierce.
Looking Ahead
With the international break approaching, both Raskin and Engels will have points to prove. Raskin will be eager to impress Tedesco and stake his claim for a more regular role in the Belgium squad, while Engels will need to focus on his performances for Celtic to earn a recall.
The next Old Firm derby, set for April 7, 2025, could now have added spice, with both players looking to make a statement on the pitch. Raskin will return to Scotland with the confidence of an international debut, while Engels will have extra motivation to prove that Belgium made a mistake by leaving him out.
In any case, the battle between Celtic and Rangers continues—not just on the domestic front, but on the international stage as well.