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England suffer after poor start

Belgium 3 (Wullaert 4,29, Vanhaevermaet 16)

England 2 (Mead pen 35, Agyemang 67)

England suffered a 3-2 defeat to Belgium in their UEFA Women’s Nations League clash in Leuven, unable to replicate their

commanding performance against the same opponents the previous Friday.

Despite a second half fightback, following Beth Mead’s penalty and including a stunning debut goal from Michelle Agyemang, Belgium held

firm to secure their first win of the campaign.

England manager Sarina Wiegman made three changes to the side that triumphed in the earlier fixture. With Alessia Russo and Lauren James unavailable, Nikita Parris and Aggie Beever-Jones earned starts, while Jess Park replaced Ella Toone in midfield. Belgium, meanwhile, welcomed back Tessa Wullaert from injury, a decision that proved pivotal as she scored twice and assisted the other.

Belgium wasted no time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the fourth minute. Wullaert latched onto a well placed ball over the top, drove into the box, and fired past Hannah Hampton to give the hosts an early advantage.

The Red Flames doubled their lead 12 minutes later when Wullaert’s precise free kick found Justine Vanhaevermaet, who rose above the England defence to head home.

Wiegman had warned of Belgium’s counter attacking threat, and it was evident again in the 29th minute. Davina Philtjens threaded a low ball across the face of goal, allowing Wullaert to tap in her second and put Belgium 3-0 up and in command of the game.

England struggled to find their rhythm but earned a lifeline in the 35th minute when Philtjens fouled Mead in the penalty area. Mead stepped up and confidently dispatched the spot kick, slotting it into the side netting despite Lisa Lichtfus guessing the right way.

England then showed signs of recovery before the break, with Lucy Bronze delivering a dangerous cross that Laura Deloose headed clear to deny Parris but Belgium retained their two-goal advantage going into the interval.

At half time, Wiegman introduced Esme Morgan and Jess Carter for Millie Bright and Niamh Charles to bolster the back line. England started the second half with greater intent; Beever-Jones linked up with Mead in the area, but Belgium’s resolute defending kept the shot at bay.

Belgium nearly extended their lead on the counter, only for Hampton to bravely smother the ball and deny Wullaert a hat-trick. Just before the hour mark, Leah Williamson’s long range effort forced Lichtfus to tip the ball over, though Bronze headed the resulting corner wide.

England’s persistence paid off in the 67th minute when debutant substitute Michelle Agyemang made an immediate impact. Just 41 seconds after entering the fray, Agyemang met a loose ball with a spectacular volley to pull England to within one goal.

The Lionesses continued to dominate possession and pressed for an equaliser, but Belgium’s defence held firm. A late corner offered England a final opportunity, but Lichtfus claimed the ball confidently to secure the victory.

Belgium: Lisa Lichtfus, Davina Philtjens (sub Elena Dhont 77mins), Amber Tysiak, Hannah Eurlings (sub Jassina Blom 70mins), Tessa Wullaert, Justine Vanhaevermaet, Janice Cayman, Jill Janssens, Jarne Teulings (sub Tine De Caigny 90mins), Marie Detruyer (sub Feli Delacauw 70mins), Laura Deloose. Subs not used: Nicky Evrard, Femke Bastiaen, Ella Van Kerkhoven, Sarah Wijnants, Mariam Toloba, Nia Elyn, Jasmien Mathys, Kassandra Missipo.  

England: Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles (sub Jess Carter 45mins), Keira Walsh, Leah Williamson, Millie Bright (sub Esme Morgan 45mins), Beth Mead, Grace Clinton (sub Ella Toone 60mins), Jess Park (sub Michelle Agyemang 80mins), Nikita Parris (sub Fran Kirby 60mins), Aggie Beever-Jones. Subs not used: Mary Earps, Anna Moorhouse, Maya Le Tissier, Millie Turner, Lucy Parker, Jessica Naz, Maisie Symonds.