From PA International, Brussels

Belgium coach Benny Mertens has warned the rest of Europe not to underestimate his troops who are still awaiting the arrival of star player Ann Wauters.

Mertens has built his team around centre Wauters - voted Europe’s top women's player two years running as the leading light of French giants Valenciennes - but she is in South Korea this summer playing for club side Samsung and they are currently in the play-off finals.

Wauters will miss the first game against Spain.

Her experience will be missed in a squad which is the youngest out of the 12 teams taking part.

“Don't forget that we have a very young squad which I have confidence in,” Mertens said.

“I don't want all the attention to focus on Wauters. My other players are also good as well."

Mertens’ group have already travelled to Pyrgos to take part in a final preparation tournament which also includes France, Greece and Slovakia.

Belgium squad for European Championships: Kathy Wambe (Villeneuve d'Ascq/Fra), Katrien Vercauteren (Waregem), Anke De Mondt (Villeneuve d'Ascq/Fra), Nele Deyaert (Burgos/Esp), Caroline Deroose (Waregem), Sophie Charlier (Deerlijk), Ann Wauters (Valenciennes/Fra), Laurence Van Malderen (Waregem), Dana Boonen (Esp/Las Palmas), Nathalie De Roeck (Boom), Celine Maclot (Boom), Candice Brus (Waregem)