GARETH SOUTHGATE celebrated an unlikely winner over Belgium – when it looked as though England were heading for hammering.
The world’s top-ranked nation looked ready to give the Three Lions a real beating after Romelu Lukaku put the visitors ahead in the Nations League clash with a penalty.
Mason Mount’s deflected strike secured a 2-1 win for England against BelgiumCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Marcus Rashford also scored in the Nations League clash at WembleyCredit: AP:Associated Press
But just when it seemed as though Southgate’s side were to be handed a lesson, they somehow clawed their way back.
Marcus Rashford, having just been awarded an MBE, levelled from the penalty spot and Mason Mount scored the winner in the 64th minute although he needed a big deflection.
But Southgate will not care as his team fought hard and found a way to win. For that, you have to give them real credit.
England started without Harry Kane as he had a muscle issue so Dominic Calvert-Lewin kept his place up front.
And Covidiot Jadon Sancho arrived as a 90th minute sub eight days after going to Tammy Abraham’s surprise party.
Yet there was still no place for fellow party-goer Ben Chilwell who was not even in the stadium.
Initially, Roberto Martinez’s Belgium were impressive.
Yannick Carrasco thought he had put Belgium ahead in the 11th minute but the effort was ruled out for an offside on Thomas Meunier.
Mount’s effort caught Simon Mignolet off guard and handed the Three Lions three pointsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Rashford kept his cool from the penalty spot to get England back in the gameCredit: Rex Features
There was certainly relief for Kieran Trippier who failed to block the cross and for Dier who was turned easily by Carrasco.
Yet five minutes later, Belgium took the lead from the penalty spot after Eric Dier bundled over Romelu Lukaku with a clumsy challenge.
Lukaku sent Pickford the wrong way from the spot and it was the first goal England had conceded for a year – to the very day – when they lost 2-1 at the Czech Republic.
Romelu Lukaku put Belgium ahead with a penalty after being fouled by Eric DierCredit: Reuters
The former Man Utd striker now has 53 goals for his countryCredit: Reuters
England were being outplayed and the home team kept losing pssession with Marcus Rashford and Declan Rice among the culprits.
Yet approaching half-time, German referee Tobias Stieler pointed to the spot for England after he spotted Meunier wrapping his arm around Jordan Henderson.
The Liverpool skipper played it cute by making the most of the contact and falling to the floor but it was probably a penalty and Rashford delivered a confident finish.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was given another go up top after scoring on his debut against WalesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled in a right wing-back roleCredit: PA:Press Association
It was a leveller Southgate’s team hardly deserved and they took the lead in the second half thanks to Mount although his shot took a heavy deflection off the foot of Toby Alderweireld and it looped over SImon Mignolet.
Immediately after the goal, Southgate made a double substitution with Kane and Kalvin Phillips replacing Dominc Calvert-Lewinand Jordan Henderson.
Carrasco should have equalised but he flicked a shot wide after a stunning pass from Kevin De Bruyne.
Harry Kane came off the bench to battle Spurs teammate Toby AlderweireldCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Jadon Sancho came on in the 89th minute but there was no sign of Jack GrealishCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Chelsea’s Reece James was handed a second half debut in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold with England once again using a three-man defence plus wing-backs.
Rashford could have made it 3-1 after a brilliant exchange with Rice but the Manchester United striker lifted the ball over the bar.
Even so, England held on to see off the team which beat them twice at the World Cup in Russia.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
