As the European qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup roared back into life on Matchday 7, France and Switzerland powered ahead at the top of their groups with commanding victories.
Manchester City's Jeremy Doku reserved special praise for Kazakhstan youngster Dastan Satpaev after their sides met in Astana, despite Belgium running out 6-0 winners.
Kevin De Bruyne has accepted Rudi Garcia's decision to hand the Belgium captain armband to Youri Tielemans, speaking after his side's 6-0 victory over Liechtenstein on Thursday.
Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois has praised Senne Lammens, the new Manchester United signing, after the club snubbed Emiliano Martinez in favour of the Belgian international.
Werder Bremen have secured a major coup by agreeing a deal to sign Belgian U21 international Samuel Mbangula from Juventus.
Everton have been dealt a fresh injury concern after left-back Vitalii Mykolenko was forced off during Ukraine's 3-0 Nations League defeat to Belgium.