Belgium coach Georges Leekens yesterday urged the three players he left out of his World Cup squad to set their sights on the 2000 European championships. Leekens said it was difficult leave Philippe Leonard, Michael Goossens and Gert Claessens out of the 22-man squad he announced on Saturday.

The omission of Monaco defender Leonard was the biggest surprise. "The best reaction they could have now is to prove themselves on the pitch," Leekens said.