One of the consequences of Belgium’s end at the Euros: Vertonghen hangs up his international cleats, becomes record holder

It’s been in the air for a while, now it’s definite and officially confirmed. Jan Vertonghen has retired from international football after Belgium were knocked out at this year’s Euros. The local federation made the announcement, along with the player, around midday on Friday.

• Jan Vertonghen has announced the end of his international career following Belgium’s exit at this year’s Euro
• The experienced stopper made his debut for the national team in 2007 and scored 10 goals
• He made 157 appearances for Belgium, making him the record holder for most starts for the national team

It was not a good tournament for the Belgian national team. Although the Belgians advanced from the preliminary group to at least the eight finals, they surprisingly lost to Slovakia in the preliminary phase.

In the last match of the group phase, they only drew goalless with Ukraine. All the national teams had four points in Group E, but it was Ukraine who took the Black Peter and did not advance to the next stage of the tournament.

The Belgians certainly had the team to go further than the eighth round, but that is where their journey ended. They lost their duel with France with an 85th minute goal, which was scored by Jan Vertonghen.

He blocked Randal Kolo Muani’s shot, but into his own net. Vertonghen played the full 90 minutes against France. He also played a full match against Romania.

However, after his team was eliminated from this year’s European Championship, he finally announced what had been in the air for some time. Vertonghen has ended his international football career.

Vertonghen showed what it means to be a true Red Devil

“From the training ground to the international pitch, you showed us what it means to be a true Red Devil. We will miss you, Jen!” wrote the Belgian Football Association on social media, quoted by The Athletic.

Vertonghen made his debut for the Belgian national team in 2007 and made 157 appearances for his country, scoring 10 goals, making him the record holder for most starts for the national team.

Source: EURO 2024, Belgian national football team, X