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Anthuenis names three uncapped players in Belgium squad

© Reuters 2002

BRUSSELS, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Belgium coach Aime Anthuenis named three uncapped players in a 19-man squad on Monday for this month's friendlies against Andorra and Estonia.

Uncapped Feyenoord midfielder Thomas Buffel, Club Bruges defender Olivier De Cock and Roda striker Tom Soetaers were included as Anthuenis - who has had one draw and one defeat since he took the helm - continues to experiment with his lineup.

The team is in need of inspiration after kicking off their European championship campaign with a 2-0 loss to Bulgaria last month.

Anthuenis, the former Anderlecht coach, was chosen in late June to lead Belgium through qualifying to the 2004 European championships in Portugal.

His task has been made harder by the departure of experienced players including captain Marc Wilmots, Johan Walem and Branko Strupar.

Notably absent from Anthuenis's squad are Schalke 04 striker Emile Mpenza and Club Bruges defender Eric Deflandre.

Belgium are away to Andorra on October 12 and to Estonia on October 16.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Geert De Vlieger (Willem II), Frederic Herpoel (Ghent)

Defenders: Daniel Van Buyten (Olympique de Marseille), Olivier De Cock (Club Bruges), Didier Dheedene (Anderlecht), Joos Valgaeren (Celtic), Peter Vanderheyden (Club Bruges)

Midfielders: Walter Baseggio (Anderlecht), Thomas Buffel (Feyenoord), Koen Daerden (Genk), Gaetan Englebert (Club Bruges), Bart Goor (Hertha Berlin), Timmy Simons (Club Bruges), Bernd Thijs (Genk), Yves Vanderhaeghe (Anderlecht)

Strikers: Wesley Sonck (Genk), Mbo Mpenza (Excelsior Mouscron), Bob Peeters (Vitesse Arnhem), Tom Soetaers (Roda).

Reports provided by

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Sunday, 13 October
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Friday, 11 October
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Thursday, 10 October
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