Former Everton, Wigan and Swansea manager Roberto Martinez has been appointed as the new head coach of Belgium.
Spaniard Martinez, 43, was sacked by the Toffees in May after three years in charge at Goodison Park.
He succeeds Marc Wilmots, who left his post last month, two weeks after the Euro 2016 quarter-final defeat by Wales.
The vacancy was advertised online by the Belgian Football Association (BFA).
It wanted a “strong and open communicator” who has a “proven track record in transmitting tactical and strategic knowledge” to top players.
In a statement, the BFA said it was “delighted and proud to have found a coach at this level so quickly”.
The Spaniard has been out of work since being dismissed by Everton in May and will now take his first job in international management.
Our new head coach: Roberto Martínez ! #welcomeRoberto #tousensemble pic.twitter.com/3JiQYAeYI1
— BelgianRedDevils (@BelRedDevils) August 3, 2016
Belgium were disappointing at Euro 2016, with Marc Wilmots having been sacked after the tournament.
His side created more chances per game (16.4) than any other side in France, but exited the competition to Wales in the quarter-finals.
Martinez received heavy criticism in the closing stages of his Everton tenure, with the Toffees making several defensive errors.
This is the Spaniard’s first managerial position outside of Britain. He commenced his coaching career at Swansea City, where he helped to lay the groundwork for the club’s progression.
The former Wigan Athletic player then went on to manage the Latics, whom he led to FA Cup glory in 2013.
It will be intriguing to see how Martinez fares with Belgium, particularly with regards to the side’s defence.
He will inherit the likes of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen, who have been excellent at the back for Tottenham Hotspur, but a constant theme with Martinez’s sides have been that they have been rather vulnerable defensively.
On a more positive note, Martinez’s teams are renowned for playing free- flowing football, which should make Belgium particularly entertaining to watch.
His first game in charge will be the friendly against his native Spain in Brussels on 1st September.
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