Belgium v England: Women’s Nations League group stage – live

Welcome to live coverage of the Women’s Nations League match as England faces Belgium. England’s Lionesses, currently leading Group A3, aim to solidify their position after securing home victories against both Spain and Belgium, alongside a draw in Portugal. In contrast, Belgium seeks their first points in the competition, despite a close 2-1 lead against Spain in Valencia last February, which later turned into a defeat due to two late Spanish goals. England are keen to demonstrate their improvement since their last encounter with Belgium, a 3-2 loss a year and a half ago.

Sarina Wiegman stated, “Our previous performance wasn’t our best, occurring shortly after the World Cup when our fitness levels were still recovering. We view this game as an opportunity for redemption, to prove we are a stronger team now.”

England enters this match with several key players absent due to injury, including Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway, and Alex Greenwood, all nursing knee injuries. Additionally, Lauren James, Alessia Russo, and Chloe Kelly are sidelined. However, the squad sees the inclusion of 19-year-old Arsenal forward Michelle Agyemang. Teammate Niamh Charles describes Agyemang as “exceptionally fast” and possessing the potential to “swiftly influence the game,” hinting at a possible debut for the young player.

Stay with us for live updates. For a more in-depth preview, consider reading Tom Garry’s analysis for further insights into tonight’s game.

The official team lineups for tonight’s Women’s Nations League match are as follows:

Belgium: Lichtfus, Cayman, Tysiak, Deloose, Janssens, Philtjens, Vanhaevermaet, Teulings, Detruyer, Wullaert, Eurlings. Substitutes: Evrard, Bastiaen, Elyn, Delacauw, Missipo, Van Kerkhoven, De Caigny, Dhont, Wijnants, Blom, Toloba, Mathys.

England: Hampton, Bronze, Charles, Williamson, Bright, Walsh, Clinton, Park, Parris, Mead, Beever-Jones. Substitutes: Earps, Moorhouse, Turner, Carter, Morgan, Le Tissier, Parker, Kirby, Toone, Symonds, Naz, Agyemang.

Referee: Maria Caputi (Italy).

In the other Women’s Nations League Group A3 fixture tonight, Spain established an early 4-0 lead against Portugal in the first half hour. The score remains unchanged as halftime approaches. Spain has registered a commanding 13 shots on goal compared to Portugal’s zero.

While we await kickoff, take a moment to read Suzanne Wrack’s report on England’s decisive victory against Belgium in Bristol this past Friday:

Belgium’s manager, Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir, conveyed her aspirations for the game, stating she hopes to witness “more energy, more conviction in their abilities. My objective is for the team to maintain belief in our strategy for the entirety of the match.”

Tom Garry reports from Leuven:

As evening descends over the picturesque student city of Leuven, under a clear spring sky, both teams are currently warming up. Belgian dance music provides the soundtrack to the pre-match preparations.

England’s manager, Sarina Wiegman, faced key decisions regarding team selection, particularly in attack and goalkeeping. With Alessia Russo and Lauren James absent, Wiegman opted for experienced Nikita Parris upfront alongside Chelsea’s young talent, Aggie Beever-Jones. Jess Park replaces Ella Toone in the number 10 role. Notably, Hannah Hampton has been selected as goalkeeper for her third consecutive match, suggesting a shift in the goalkeeping hierarchy in favor of Hampton over Mary Earps.

Belgium welcomes back captain Tessa Wullaert, who returns after missing Friday’s game due to a minor injury. Wullaert is anticipated to be Belgium’s primary offensive threat, known for her pace. England will be mindful of Belgium’s counter-attacking capabilities, recalling their 3-2 defeat on this ground 18 months prior, a match that also saw Alex Greenwood suffer an injury. The traveling England supporters will be hoping for a more positive outcome this evening.

Sarina Wiegman has confirmed Hannah Hampton’s role as the current first-choice goalkeeper, ahead of Mary Earps:

Currently, she is slightly in front. We are fortunate to have two world-class goalkeepers, making it a tough decision. However, at this moment, Hannah has a slight edge.

The players are now making their way onto the field! Kickoff is imminent, following the national anthems and pre-match handshakes, in approximately four minutes.

1 min: Peeeeeep! England has commenced the match!

2 mins: England maintains possession in the early minutes, circulating the ball effectively. However, a pass intended for Grace Clinton on the left flank is slightly over-hit, leading to a Belgian interception.

4 mins: Against the run of play, Belgium takes the lead! In their first sustained period of possession, Belgium carves open the England defense.

5 mins: A perfectly weighted through ball evades the England defense, splitting the left-back and center-back pairing. Wullaert, displaying excellent pace, outstrips the defenders, advances into the penalty area, and executes a precise shot across Hampton, finding the net off the far post!

8 mins: An update from Vigo: Spain’s dominance continues as they now lead Portugal 7-1 with approximately 10 minutes remaining in their match.

8 mins: England has registered a couple of attempts on goal, but both were thwarted by Belgian defenders who effectively closed down the space. Nikita Parris was the latest to have her shot blocked from close range, lacking sufficient room to maneuver.

12 mins: Hannah Eurlings went to ground after a brief clash with Lucy Bronze. Bronze clipped Eurlings’ heel during a sprint for the ball on England’s right flank. Eurlings appears to be recovering.

14 mins: Wullaert creates space on the right side, facing Millie Bright. Bright retreated, seemingly wary of Wullaert’s pace, but positioned herself to deflect Wullaert’s subsequent shot behind for a corner.