Waseige snubs Nilis

Belgium coach Robert Waseige has left Nilis out of his starting eleven

Aston Villa striker Luc Nilis has been overlooked by Belgium coach Robert Waseige for Saturday's clash with Sweden.

Nilis, who quit the team in disgust at what he perceived as an unhealthy atmosphere for France 98, is regarded as one of Belgium's top players.

However, Derby County striker Branko Strupar and talented young forward Emile Mpenza will lead the Belgium attack in the opening game of the tournament.

But the 33-year-old star, who is casting aside all thoughts of the crisis at his new club Villa, told Sport Online he was just happy to be in contention for a place in the side.

Happy

He said: "I'm happy to be back in the selection frame for my country and everything's been going well on the eve of the tournament. We have a lot of confidence and that's also coming from this coach."

Mpenza, who plays for Bundesliga side Schalke 04, has scored seven goals in 23 international appearances and will be keen to impress after being named in the side ahead of the popular Nilis.

Belgium's team for the opening match:

1-Filip De Wilde, 2-Eric Deflandre, 4-Lorenzo Staelens, 3-Joos Valgaeren, 17-Philippe Leonard; 11-Gert Verheyen, 7-Marc Wilmots, 6-Yves Vanderhaeghe, 8-Bart Goor; 10-Branko Strupar, 9-Emile Mpenza.