Thomas Meunier left frustrated by Belgium omission despite strong Sunderland start

Thomas Meunier has been left out of Mark van Bommel’s latest Belgium squad despite establishing himself as a regular at Sunderland following his summer arrival.

The 35-year-old joined the Black Cats on a free transfer after leaving Lille and has started every Premier League match so far. He has also featured in the EFL Cup and Europa League under Régis Le Bris.

However, that has not been enough to earn a place in Van Bommel’s first Belgium squad following his appointment as Rudi Garcia’s successor.

Meunier has made it clear that he has no intention of retiring from international football.

The right-back has won 83 caps since making his Belgium debut in 2013 and represented his country at each of the last three World Cups, making 11 appearances across those tournaments.

Earlier this month, Meunier stressed that he remains available for selection and believes his performances at Sunderland show he can still contribute at international level.

Van Bommel has now revealed that the defender was disappointed when informed he would not be selected.

“I didn’t tell him that it was over for him. I’m just choosing other players at the moment,” Van Bommel explained.

“Thomas didn’t agree with that. ‘I’m going to become important,’ he said. That’s great.”

Although Meunier will miss the upcoming Nations League fixtures, Van Bommel’s comments suggest his international career is not necessarily finished.

Belgium face Italy, France, Turkey and then France again across the September and October international window.

Meunier will instead remain focused on Sunderland, where his move has so far provided the regular football he wanted.

Maintaining that position under Le Bris will be crucial if he wants to change Van Bommel’s mind ahead of future international selections.

At 35, competition for places inevitably makes his route back more difficult. However, Meunier’s response to his omission makes one thing clear: he has no intention of giving up his Belgium place without a fight.

Meunier will remain with Sunderland while Belgium play four Nations League fixtures during the extended international window.

His next opportunity to change Van Bommel’s mind will come through his performances for Le Bris. If he maintains his place and form at Sunderland, he could push himself back into consideration when Belgium’s next squad is selected.