Shock loss for England against Belgium just days after winning 5-0

The Lionesses drop to second in the UEFA Nations League table after losing points away from home to Belgium on Tuesday night. Belgium responded to their 5-0 defeat perfectly, storming 3-0 ahead within 30 minutes of the reverse fixture.

TEAMS:

Belgium’s manager, Elisabet Gunnarsdottir, made four changes to the eleven from Friday evening. Lisa Lichtfus, Laura Deloose, Marie Detruyer and Tessa Wullaert all entered the field, with Nicky Evrard, Mariam Toloba, Kassandra Missipo taking their seats on the bench and Isabelle Illiano missing from the squad.

England’s manager, Sarina Wiegman, made only three changes to her side. With Alessia Russo and Lauren James leaving camp early due to injuries, Nikita Parris and Aggie Beever-Jones were the first choice replacements. Ella Toone also dropped to the bench, Jess Park replacing her. Michelle Agyemang, who helped the U19’s squad qualify for the U19 Euros on Saturday and called into the senior squad on Sunday, was on the bench.

FIRST HALF:

Just four minutes into the half and Belgium had put themselves ahead, when Tessa Wullaert’s return from injury got off to the perfect start. Getting on the end of the ball and driving into the box, she fired the ball past Hannah Hampton, giving her side the lead early on.

Only 12 minutes later, Belgium were 2-0 up. Wullaert, continuing to make an impact, took the free kick picking out Justine Vanhaevermaet who headed the ball goalwards, well above the head of Hampton.

Inside the first 30 minutes, Wullaert had two goals and an assist to her tally, when Davina Philtjens crossed the ball to meet her, she easily slotted it past Hampton.

At 35 minutes, England had a chance to get themselves back into the game when Philtjens fouled Beth Mead inside the box, awarding the visitors a penalty.

Mead stepped up to the spot and converted the penalty, getting England a goal back.

Friday night’s player of the match, Lucy Bronze, was eager to keep the ball in front of goal, when she sent in a cross towards Nikita Parris. Despite her best effort, Laura Deloose headed it away.

SECOND HALF:

Wiegman made two substitutions at half time, defenders Millie Bright and Niamh Charles were replaced by Esme Morgan and Jess Carter.

The Lionesses came back out looking stronger and continued to push for a second goal.

A shot from Mead was frantically defended by the Red Flames which resulted in a counter attack, Hampton was quick out of the goal to gather the ball and deny Wullaert a hattrick.

A flurry of chances came for the Lionesses before 60 minutes, Leah Williamson forced Lisa Lichtfus to tip her long range effort over the crossbar, resulting in a corner that Bronze headed wide.

Wiegman made her last substitution of the game at 80 minutes, replacing Jess Park with Michelle Agyemang coming on for her senior debut.

Just 41 seconds into her debut, Agyemang had scored the most perfect volley, making the scoreline 3-2.

Lichtfus saved England’s last chance of the game, awarding the hosts with their first win of this campaign as the Lionesses suffered their first loss.

STATS:

Despite losing, England held onto the ball the most, leading possession with 68% to Belgium’s 32%. The home side had five shots in total, four of the five being on target, the visitors had a giant 17 total shots in total, but only three were on target.

Overall, 12 corners were given, Belgium taking three and England taking nine. Belgium committed 11 fouls, earning themselves four yellow cards for Davina Philtjens, Feli Delacauw, Jassina Blom and Jarne Teulings. England committed 12 fouls, but scraped through with only three yellow cards for Lucy Bronze, Ella Toone and Esme Morgan.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Both teams will play Spain and Portugal on matchday 5 and 6 of the UEFA Nations League Group Stage. Matchday 5 is on the 30^th May; Belgium will play Spain at home and England will play Portugal at home. Matchday 6 follows just a few days after on the 3^rd June where Belgium will play Portugal away and England will play Spain away.