England’s Nations League qualification hopes suffer a blow with defeat in Belgium | OneFootball

England’s UEFA Women’s Nations League qualification hopes have taken a blow with the Lionesses having been defeated 3-2 by Belgium in Leuven this evening.

Laura de Neve’s early free-kick gave the hosts the lead before goals from Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby helped swing the tie in England’s favour. Tessa Wullaert levelled matters for Belgium in first half injury time before the same player netted the winner from the penalty spot late in the second half.

Both sides went on the attack from the first whistle and it was Belgium who took a ninth-minute lead. Chloe Kelly felt that she had been fouled, however, the referee gave the free-kick the other way for handball. De Neve stepped up to take the set-piece and she curled the ball into the bottom corner of the England net.

England responded and they levelled matters in the 38th minute after a lengthy stoppage due to an injury to Alex Greenwood. Bronze got her head on the end of a free-kick and she steered the ball into the top corner.

The Lionesses went close again moments later when Bronze’s effort was saved by Nicky Evrard but Alessia Russo could only direct the ball wide from the rebound.

England established the lead with their next meaningful attack. Lauren Hemp played a neat pass to Kirby and she rifled her shot into the back of the net.

Belgium levelled the scores at 2-2 in 14 minutes of first half stoppage time. Wullaert raced away and she placed the ball beyond Mary Earps and into the bottom corner of the net.

England were inches away from regaining the lead early in the second half when Kirby’s shot was saved by Evrard and the ball was cleared off the goal-line. At the other end, Wullaert again got the better of the England defence before seeing her shot expertly saved by Earps.

Russo could then only shoot into the side-netting before Rachel Daly saw a close range header saved by Earps.

The game looked set to end 2-2 until Belgium were awarded a penalty following a handball in the box from Georgia Stanway. Wullaert successfully beat Earps from 12 yards to hand her side a famous win and leave England’s hopes of reaching the UEFA Women’s Nations League semi-finals hanging by a thread.

England end the night in third position in their UEFA Women’s Nations League group. The Lionesses must win both of their remaining matches against The Netherlands and Scotland to have any chance of qualification for the next stage.