England 1-0 Belgium: Lauren Hemp the hero as Lionesses secure key Nations League win | OneFootball

Match-winner: Lauren Hemp scored the only goal as England beat Belgium in the Nations League in Leicester

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The Lionesses got their Nations League campaign back on track with victory over Belgium.

Lauren Hemp was England’s hero, scoring the only goal of the game inside the opening 15 minutes.

The Lionesses dominated for the most part and Belgium had goalkeeper Nicky Evrard to thank for the match staying so tight.

The win was an important one for England, who move up to second in Group A1 and level on points with leaders the Netherlands.

Sarina Wiegman’s side will be back in action on Tuesday, when they travel to face Belgium again in Leuven.

England will want to start that match like they did this one as they nearly blew the visitors away in the opening 15 minutes.

The Lionesses found Belgium and Brighton goalkeeper Nicky Evrard in excellent form

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Niamh Charles almost opened the scoring inside a minute thanks to a marauding run that caught the Belgium defence off guard.

The Chelsea left-back was one of England's best performers in the first half, giving the team an attacking outlet down the left after Wiegman ditched a back three to play a 4-3-3 formation.

The Lionesses carried more attacking threat in that shape and took the lead after 13 minutes through Hemp.

Chloe Kelly swung in a corner from the left and, when Millie Bright’s header hit the post, Hemp was there to volley in the rebound.

Their best chance came around the hour mark when Charles and Hemp combined brilliantly out left, however Alessia Russo couldn’t turn home the cross.

England had 75 per cent possession at the break but just one goal to show for it and Belgium carried a threat on the counter, twice going close from set-pieces.

Their goalkeeper Evrard was also having a great game and meant they remained in the contest.

Fran Kirby returned for her first England appearance in a year on Friday night

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The chances continued to come for England, but they could not convert. Bright had a header deflected over and Lucy Bronze nodded wide. Russo missed a great opportunity from 10 yards out when Kelly’s shot was blocked.

With just under 30 minutes to go, Fran Kirby was introduced for her first England appearance in a year as the Lionesses chased an elusive second goal.