England vs Belgium LIVE: result and reaction as Lauren Hemp early goal gives Lionesses win in Nations League
England return to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Belgium in the Nations League
England returned to winning ways as the Lionesses beat Belgium in the Women’s Nations League clash in Leicester.
The European champions and World Cup runners-up defeated Scotland in Sunderland to open their Nations League campaign but then suffered just their third defeat under Sarina Wiegman in a 2-1 loss at the Netherlands.
The result had put England in third place in Group A1 ahead of the double-header against Belgium, who lead the standings on four points following their win against Scotland and draw against the Netherlands.
But the Lionesses found just enough on the night to beat Belgium, although it was far from the clinical performance they would have wanted. Despite dominating possession and chances, they were only able to find the net once and that left the game more open than it could have been.
The Lionesses must win their group to advance to the Nations League Finals, and must then get through the semi-finals to book Team GB’s qualification spot for next summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Follow for all the latest updates from the King Power Stadium:
England 0-0 Belgium
1’ Kick off has now happened, a couple of minutes later than planned.
England get the game underway after taking the knee - the Belgium players did not take the knee.
England vs Belgium
The teams are out of the tunnel and the anthems are being sung, Belgium’s first and then England’s.
England vs Belgium
We’re nearing kick off and the players will be out there getting ready.
England will be desperate to put on a good show for all the fans in the sold-out King Power Stadium and bounce back from their defeat to Sarina Wiegman’s former side the Netherlands.
England vs Belgium
Here are some other stories from the world of women’s football:
Sjoeke Nusken scored a brace to help Chelsea secure a 4-2 Women’s Super League comeback victory over Brighton at Kingsmeadow.
The Germany midfielder netted her first two goals in blue after her summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt, with her first coming in first-half added-time before she scored again just after the break.
This came after Brighton’s Pauline Bremer scored the opener for Melissa Phillips’ side, who failed to take advantage of their early lead.
Sjoeke Nusken bags brace as joint leaders Chelsea strike back to beat Brighton
The Germany midfielder netted her first two goals in blue after her summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt
England vs Belgium
Here are some more photos from around the King Power:
England vs Belgium
England forward Lauren James will miss the Women’s Nations League double-header against Belgium because of concussion.
The Lionesses play the first of their two-parter at Leicester on Friday but the Chelsea player will not be involved as she goes through the relevant protocols after suffering a head injury.
Lotte Wubben-Moy trained on Thursday and could be involved in the squad at the King Power Stadium.
Lauren James to miss England’s games against Belgium with concussion
Lotte Wubben-Moy could be involved in the squad for the first game of the Women’s Nations League double-header on Friday at the King Power Stadium.
England vs Belgium
Mary Earps was forced to admit it has become “really difficult” to keep all fans happy with the increased attendances and popularity of the sport.
The England goalkeeper was criticised for not signing an autograph following Manchester United’s win at Everton on Sunday.
The Lionesses throughout the years have frequently stayed behind after games to meet with the supporters in the crowd, but the increased attendances have meant the fans they do meet become a smaller proportion of the total.
Mary Earps reveals difficulties with fan relationship with rise of women’s football
Earps has also discussed her shirt selling out after Nike belatedly decided to release a limited number following the Lionesses’ success at the World Cup
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments