It was going on target, before a slight deflection off Tyrone Mings took it definitively beyond the reach of Jordan Pickford, who had been restored to the starting goalkeeper role by Southgate.Įngland had a chance to equalise just a minute later when Kane headed goalwards from a corner. The Leicester midfielder arrowed a shot towards the bottom corner. England defender Eric Dier gave the ball away when playing out from the back, before Romelu Lukaku worked it to Tielemans. It was one member of that trio who gave Belgium the lead after just 10 minutes. Of those seven, Kevin De Bruyne, Youri Tielemans and Toby Alderweireld were the only ones still plying their trade in England. There were plenty of familar faces in the Belgium lineup, with seven of their starting XI having played in the Premier League at some point in their careers. Jack Grealish made his first competitive start for England, playing alongside Mason Mount in support of Harry Kane, who earned his 50th cap. Gareth Southgate stuck with the 3-4-3 system for the clash.

A loss would end their chances of qualifying for the final stages of the competition.

A 2-0 defeat to Belgium brought an end to England’s hopes of progressing in the UEFA Nations League with one game still to go.Įngland went into their penultimate game in Group A2 of the Nations League knowing they needed to win.

End of nations games