Jan Vertonghen eyes fast start to qualifying for Belgium

Jan Vertonghen has claimed that it is vital for Belgium to make a positive start to their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.

Belgium finally begin their bid to qualify from Group B against Andorra on Friday, having seen their match against Israel scheduled for last month postponed.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Vertonghen is fully aware that a loss in either of the opening two games would be a big blow.

"We need a win against Andorra at home then we have Bosnia away where we need at least a point," he told Tottenham's official website. "It's important not to lose the away games, especially against direct opponents for qualification from the group.

"I've not played against Andorra or Bosnia before – the last time we played Bosnia I was injured – but it's very important to get some early wins.

"The other teams have played already like Wales and Bosnia, so hopefully we can get off to a good start."

Belgium have not qualified for the European Championship finals since 2000.