Belgium vs England LIVE: Women’s Nations League result and reaction as Wullaert scores late winning penalty
Belgium 3-2 England: The Lionesses slump to defeat in Belgium and face uphill battle to reach Nations League semi-finals
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Your support makes all the difference.England suffered a big blow to their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Nations League as a brilliantly entertaining contest against Belgium was won by the hosts.
Too often in the match the Lionesses were caught on their heels and forced to scramble back in defence as the Belgians came forward on the counter-attack. A foul just outside the box set up Laura De Neve to whip home a fantastic free kick which put the home side ahead.
A collision between Jassina Blom and Alex Greenwood saw the England defender stretchered off the pitch after a long delay. England responded to the break better, they equalised off the head of Lucy Bronze before Fran Kirby slotted home a cool finish to get them in front.
Another counter was the Lionesses’ undoing though as Tessa Wullaert beat Mary Earps with a shot across the box before a late penalty, due to a handball from Georgia Stanway, decided proceedings as Wullaert earned her team a famous victory.
Relive the action from Belgium vs England below:
Belgium 1-0 England
36 mins: Bronze is pushed in the back by Marie Detruyer and theatrically falls to the ground winning England a free kick. Laura De Neve has an issue now and there’s another break in the game.
It’s a quick one though as he hobbles to her feet and limps off to the side of the pitch.
GOAL! Belgium 1-1 England (Bronze, 38’)⚽️
38 mins: England are level!
The free kick is whipped into the back post by Chloe Kelly where Lucy Bronze is waiting alone. She’s a few yards out from goal when she meets the ball with a headed effort.
The ball sails over to the far corner, drops over the top of Nicky Evrard, hits the underside of the crossbar and finishes in the back of the net!
Belgium 1-1 England
41 mins: Belgium conceded that goal with one player less as Laura De Neve was off the pitch at the time. She hasn’t returned and Sarah Wijnants replaces her in defence for the rest of this match.
Belgium 1-1 England
43 mins: Chance! Keira Walsh slots a fine cross field pass into the right side of the box where Lucy Bronze bursts into space and nods the ball at goal.
Nicky Evrard is well placed to palm the initial effort away but the ball comes to Alessis Russo. She has to stretch for it and, as a result, belts her effort into the side netting.
GOAL! Belgium 1-2 England (Kirby, 44’)⚽️
44 mins: Wonderful!
Another beautiful pass from Walsh sees the ball chipped over to Lauren Hemp on the left wing. Hemp dribbles around the nearest defender, darts into the box and cuts the ball back to Fran Kirby.
Kirby takes a touch and then guides a fine side-footed effort into the far bottom corner! England take the lead.
Belgium 1-2 England
45 mins: Due to the injuries in this first half, there are 14 minutes of added time still to be played.
Belgium 1-2 England
45+3 mins: England have responded to Alex Greenwood’s injury in superb fashion. They’ve taken control of the match and scored two top quality goals.
Sarina Wiegman will want a couple more to feel secure in the match. A third goal before half-time will firmly assert England’s control on the hosts.
GOAL! Belgium 2-2 England (Wullaert, 45+6’)⚽️
45+6 mins: Equaliser! Georgia Stanway gives the ball away in the middle of the pitch and Belgium break quickly. A single pass threads the ball in between Millie Bright and Jess Carter sending Tessa Wullaert flying up the pitch.
She has the pace to beat the two defenders as she carries the ball into the box. A shuffle to the right means her finish needs to be spot on and she laces it into the far corner with perfection.
Belgium 2-2 England
45+9 mins: Sarina Wiegman won’t be pleased at all with the two goals England have conceded. She’ll need to work on defending counter-attacks.
Chloe Kelly is brough down and wins a free kick in a similar area to where England scored their first goal from.
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