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      The 10 superstars at risk of missing out on Euro 2024 including Erling Haaland with crucial qualifiers coming up

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      ERLING HAALAND is one of ten footballing superstars at risk of missing out on Euro 2024.The qualifiers for the tournament in Germany next year are almost at an end with some big nations yet to seal their spot.
      Erling Haaland could miss out on Euro 2024Credit: Kenny Ramsay
      Many countries such as England, Spain and France have already sealed their spots at the competition.
      Germany have not had to qualify as they are automatically in due to being the host nation.
      However nations such as Sweden, Norway and Croatia are still trying to earn their spots.
      They have crucial qualifying matches coming up in the current international break.
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      But should results go against them, then there could be some of the best players in the world absent from the Euros.
      Erling Haaland – Norway
      Haaland missed out on the World Cup in Qatar last year and is again facing being absent from an international tournament.
      The Manchester City striker won the Gerd Muller Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony for scoring the most goals in Europe last season.
      The Norwegian has continued his prolific form this season and will need to be at the top of his game to fire Norway to the Euro 2024 play-offs when they face Scotland away in their last qualifier.
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      Martin Odegaard – Norway
      Martin Odegaard may not be at Euro 2024Credit: Getty
      The Arsenal captian, like Haaland, missed out on the World Cup as Norway failed to qualify.
      Odegaard has become one of the standout players in the Premier League since his move to the Emirates from Real Madrid.
      He and Haaland will have to do it the hard way as Norway need to beat Scotland in order to hold off Georgia, who have a game in hand on them.
      Gianluigi Donnarumma – Italy
      Gianluigi Donnarumma and Italy may fail to defend their titleCredit: Getty
      Italy like Norway failed to make it to the World Cup in Qatar despite winning the Euros in 2021.
      Donnarumma is widely considered to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world, having already starred for AC Milan and PSG at the age of just 24.
      The stopper was the hero for Italy in the previous Euros as he helped them to a penalty shootout win over England at Wembley, but they face a huge clash with Ukraine on Monday that could see them miss out on second-place.
      Destiny Udogie – Italy
      Destiny Udogie has been one of the best young full-backs in EuropeCredit: Alamy
      Udogie was not a member of the Italy side that won the Euros but has become one of the most promising full backs in Europe.
      The Tottenham ace has cemented himself in Ange Postecoglou’s side after returning from his loan at Udinese last season.
      However, he will have to hope that his national team-mates can do the business without him against North Macedonia and the Ukraine as he is currently injured.
      Luka Modric – Croatia
      Luka Modric has been a regular at international tournamentsCredit: Alamy
      Modric has been a regular at international tournaments throughout his long career.
      The Real Madrid star, 38, however faces missing out on Euro 2024 with his side currently behind Wales in Group D.
      Modric had hoped to play in one more tournament after helping Croatia to a third-place finish in the World Cup in Qatar.
      Josko Gvardiol – Croatia
      Josko Gvardiol helped Croatia to third at the World Cup in QatarCredit: Getty
      Gvardiol was another member of the Croatia squad who impressed in Qatar as they beat Morocco to finish third.
      The defender gained many plaudits for his performances and earned a big move to Manchester City in the summer.
      Gvardiol and Co still have a chance of making it to Germany, but must face Latvia and Armenia first.
      Alexander Isak – Sweden
      Alexander Isak plays for Sweden on the international stageCredit: Getty
      Alexander Isak has become one of the most prolific strikers in the Premier League since his move to Newcastle from Real Sociedad.
      The Swedish international and his team-mates however will have to battle in the play-offs in order to make it to the tournament.
      But first in order to make it that far they will have to pick up wins against Azerbaijan and Estonia.
      Dejan Kulusevski – Sweden
      Dejan Kulusevski has scored three goals for SwedenCredit: Getty
      Kulusevski has been a regular for Tottenham since he joined the club from Juventus.
      The winger will need to improve his form for Sweden to help them qualify.
      He has only managed three goals in 33 appearances for his national side and could do with a couple in their next two fixtures.
      Robert Lewandowski – Poland
      Robert Lewandowski has been a regular on the international stageCredit: Getty
      Lewandowski is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe having starred for the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and now Barcelona.
      The striker, 35, has never really hit his best form during an international tournament however.
      Now approaching the end of his career, the Pole would likely want one last attempt at winning something on the national stage.
      Evan Ferguson – Ireland
      Evan Ferguson and Ireland will be looking to make it through the play-offsCredit: Reuters
      From one of the veterans of football to one of the most promising young starlets.
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      Ferguson, 19, is one of the most highly-rated strikers in the Premier League due to his performances for Brighton and Hove Albion.
      Ireland’s hopes of making it to Euro 2024 hinge on the play-offs but a win against Holland will boost their chances of making it that far. More

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      Tottenham star Ben Davies always believed Wales could reach Euro 2024 – and two wins will do it

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      BEN DAVIES never believed Wales’ Euro 2024 dream was over.Against all the odds, the Dragons lie two wins away from automatic qualification for Germany next summer, starting in Armenia on Saturday.
      Harry Wilson scores twice in Wales’ superb 2-1 win over Croatia to put Euro 2024 qualification in their own handsCredit: Rex
      Boss Robert Page has already led Wales at a Euros and World Cup – and is bidding for a third successive major tournamentCredit: Alamy
      Wales suffered a shock 4-2 home Group D defeat to the same opposition in June as well as away to Turkey.
      And chief executive Noel Mooney planned to review boss Robert Page’s position as manager if they didn’t finish in the top two.
      But last month’s superb 2-1 victory over Croatia galvanised the Welsh and put them into second place above the World Cup semi-finalists on a better head-to-head.
      Now success for Page’s men in Yerevan followed by another win against already-qualified Turkey in Cardiff next Tuesday would book a fourth major tournament finals spot in five attempts.
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      Tottenham defender Davies, stand-in skipper for the injured Aaron Ramsey, said: “We never stopped believing in this group. It was disappointing to lose at home and a real wake-up call.
      “If you switch off and aren’t at your best, you get punished. We won’t be making that mistake again.
      “We’ve had our backs against the wall and we’ve given ourselves a chance. It’s quite clear the second game doesn’t matter if the first one doesn’t go our way.
      “It’s full focus on Armenia. If we don’t get the result then the Turkey one is irrelevant.
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      “We can get a result against anyone – we’ve shown that. It’s another huge chance we’ve got. 
      “Growing up it was a dream of Welsh football to be going to these major tournaments. That dream still exists. Once you qualify, it gives people the chance to dream. 
      “We’ve come into every camp with the focus of getting to these major tournaments with the belief we can do it.
      “We don’t want to sit on the success and say: ‘OK, we’ve been there and had a nice time’.
      “We’ve had a great run so far, but once you get a taste of it you want to do it again. That’s exactly where we are as a group this time.”
      Davies, 30, delivered a rousing ‘huddle’ speech following the Croatia triumph inspired by two-goal hero Harry Wilson.
      Evoking the words of Dafydd Iwan’s Yma O Hyd – the 1980s folk protest song which has been adopted by Wales’ Red Wall as an anthem – Davies declared his team-mates must never give up.
      Davies, who is set to win his 83rd cap, added: “It was just a case of showing the reason why we’re here.
      “People doubted us again but we’re still standing.
      “We’re standing up against the challenges and here we are with two games to go still in the fight.”
      Wales reached Euro 2020 under previous boss Ryan Giggs by winning their final two matches, away to Azerbaijan and then at home to Hungary, in November 2019.
      In the post-Gareth Bale era, Davies – one of four survivors along with Ramsey and keepers Danny Ward and Wayne Hennessey from the Euro 2016 squad which reached the semi-finals – said: “There are similarities from the last time we qualified.
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      “It’s a tight group and they’re always going to come down to the last games.
      “Most of us have been in this situation before and it’s an opportunity for us to do it again. We’re ready for it.” More

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      Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill follow three other England aces in WITHDRAWING from squad ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM and Levi Colwill have both withdrawn from the England squad.The duo will now miss the final Euro 2024 qualifying matches during the international break.
      Jude Bellingham has withdrawn from the England teamCredit: Getty
      Levi Colwill is also out due to injuryCredit: Getty
      The Three Lions face Malta on Friday before travelling to North Macedonia for the match on Monday.
      Bellingham and Colwill will now miss the games due to shoulder injuries.
      They will return to their clubs, Real Madrid and Chelsea, to receive treatment for their problems.
      The two had become important players for the side in recent games.
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      Bellingham’s presence in midfield was crucial in wins over Italy, Ukraine and Scotland.
      Colwill however, had become a decent left-back option for manager Gareth Southgate as he covered for Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell.
      The withdrawals were confirmed by England Football in a statement.
      It read: “Jude Bellingham and Levi Colwill will play no part in England’s forthcoming UEFA EURO 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.
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      “The pair arrived at St. George’s Park for assessments on Monday but will now return to Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively to continue their rehabilitation.”
      Reports in Spain have claimed that Real Madrid did “not trust” England over Bellingham.
      It comes as a fresh blow to manager Gareth Southgate, who already had three players drop out due to injuries.
      James Maddison, Lewis Dunk and Callum Wilson had already pulled out of the team.
      As a result, Southgate offered first-ever call-ups to Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis and Ezri Konsa to the national team.
      This could see the manager name some experimental line-ups for the two matches. More

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      How England could line up for final Euro 2024 qualifiers with three debutants and no Jude Bellingham or James Maddison

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE could name an experimental team with three England debutants in the final Euro 2024 qualifiers.The Three Lions have already qualified for the tournament in Germany next year after beating Italy at Wembley in October.
      Gareth Southgate could experiment with his England teamCredit: Rex
      Jude Bellingham is likely to miss outCredit: Getty
      While Cole Palmer has been handed his first call-upCredit: Getty

      However, Southgate and co still have to finish off their last two group fixtures.
      England face Malta and North Macedonia in the next week and wins in both would more than guarantee a top spot qualification.
      Southgate will not be able to play the likes of James Maddison, Lewis Dunk or Callum Wilson after the trio pulled out through injury.
      Bellingham is also a doubt for the Three Lions after he picked up a shoulder injury.
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      Southgate has since called up Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa and Man City’s Rico Lewis as replacements.
      The trio could all be handed their England bows at Wembley Stadium against Malta on Friday.
      Palmer could be given his chance in the same role that Bellingham would have occupied, having proved to be a hit at Chelsea since his summer transfer.
      The attacking midfielder could be used in a midfield three in front of Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.
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      How England could line-up
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      Konsa and Lewis could both come into the backline alongside Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker.
      Bayern Munich star Harry Kane could spearhead the attack with Bukayo Saka and Jarrod Bowen either side of him.
      Bowen earned a recall to the Three Lions squad after his impressive goalscoring form in the Premier League this season.
      Kane however has been on fire in Germany having already scored 21 goals in 16 appearances.
      Southgate could also play a more established England side in the matches.
      The manager could opt for a backline of Walker, Maguire, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier.
      This could sit behind a midfield three of Rice, Henderson and Kalvin Phillips.
      The attack would see Phil Foden, Saka and Kane get spots.
      Another way Southgate could pick his team More

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      Harry Wilson emerges from the shadows in the post-Gareth Bale era to shine for Wales

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      HARRY WILSON has blossomed from Wales squad player to front line star since Gareth Bale has retired.The Fulham winger, 26, was the Dragons’ hero with two goals in the superb 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Croatia last month.
      Harry Wilson has now become one of Wales’ first-choice starsCredit: Alamy
      Wales have been in transition since the retirement of record caps holder and goalscorer Gareth Bale in JanuaryCredit: PA
      And national boss Robert Page reckons Wilson has finally emerged from the shadows to take centre stage with talisman Bale no longer around after he hung up his boots in January.
      Page said: “Harry would turn up 12 months ago and expect to be part of the squad or if he started he would be substituted on the hour mark.
      “But the mentality has changed. When he plays for us now he’s one of the main men. He showed that in the last game.
      “He’s been around for a long time.
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      “Because of the players we had available to us before in Gareth, Joe Allen and Jonny Williams, perhaps he looked at it and felt he was a squad player.
      “We had a chat with him in the summer and said: “You are no longer that person or player. Look at what you’re doing at club level. You’re a big player for us’.
      “I don’t expect him to come in now and just accept to play for 55, 60 minutes. 
      “I want him to have that mentality that he’s one of our top players and he’s going to win games for us.
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      “He’s playing in the Premiership, scoring goals and creating chances. He certainly stepped up to the plate against Croatia.”
      ‘Diamond’ Wilson cost £12million when he swapped Liverpool for Fulham in 2021.
      He put Wales to within two wins of qualifying for the finals in Germany next summer with his match-winning display on his 50th cap against Luka Modric and co.
      Now Page believes the ex-Anfield star, who faces Aston Villa today, sets the standard for the next generation.
      Page, whose side travel to Armenia next Saturday for the first part of a double-header with Turkey arriving in Cardiff on November 21, added: “You see him train. 
      “I said to the young lads up in Wrexham for the Gibraltar game last month, just watch him warm up.
      “He’s the nicest fella you will ever meet off the pitch, he relaxes in his down time and his banter is great.
      “But when he crosses that line, he’s a model example of what you would want a modern footballer to look like. I say to the kids – watch him.
      “Everything he does is to the nth degree.
      “You can see why he has had the career he has and why he is playing in the Premiership.
      “Credit to him in how he’s looked after himself and he deserves the plaudits.
      I’m so pleased for him because he’s not just a good player, he’s an absolute diamond of a kid.”
      Wales have evolved since the retirements of record caps holder and goalscorer Bale, Allen, Williams and Chris Gunter since the 2022 World Cup.
      Despite losing that vast experience, Page insists Wilson as well as midfield pairing of Ethan Ampadu and Jordan James have shown they can keep the Dragons competing for future major tournament qualifications.
      Page said: “Ethan has been around for years, coming up to this 50th cap, in the New Year he will get that.
      “He has a wealth of experience but we now have that young group of players who have cap accumulation.
      “Ethan has gone to another level, H, JJ with his level of performance against three of the best midfielders in the world against Croatia.
      “It will hold us in good stead for the future.
      “We have put a committee together and it has given them more responsibility to look after each other. We had a committee with Gareth for the World Cup and building up to it.
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      “We have another one now and we think some of the young ones need to be a part of that and step up.” More

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      England squad announced with Arsenal star OUT of Euro 2024 qualifiers and Callum Wilson recalled by Gareth Southgate

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has named his England squad for the upcoming international fixtures.The Three Lions face Malta before a trip to North Macedonia this month in their final two Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
      Gareth Southgate has announced his England squadCredit: Getty
      Harry Kane is back in the teamCredit: Getty
      Jude Bellingham has also been recalledCredit: Getty
      Kalvin Phillips has also been given a spot in the squadCredit: EPA
      Southgate’s squad for the next Euro 2024 qualifiers
      One shock inclusion is Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips.
      The midfielder has barely played this season and has now earned more call-ups (2) than starts (1) for his club.
      European-based stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have obviously received calls after their impressive form for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively.
      Kane has netted an incredible 19 goals and seven assists in 14 Bundesliga and Champions League appearances.
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      While Bellingham has continued to prove that he is one of the world’s best midfielders.
      He has also been in supreme goalscoring form having bagged 13 goals in 14 matches in all competitions for the LaLiga giants.
      However, there is no space for Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah.
      The striker has been left out of the team despite netting a hat-trick in October against Sheffield United.
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      Jordan Pickford will keep his spot at England’s No.1Credit: Alamy
      Eberechi Eze will have another chance in the England teamCredit: Willie Vass
      The defence sees Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill, and Kieran Tripper receive recalls.
      While Lewis Dunk and Fikayo Tomori have also kept hold of their places.
      John Stones however will miss out on the two matches due to an injury he picked up in the Champions League win over Young Boys.
      Man City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that Stones could be out for a “while”.,
      Eddie Nketiah has been omitted from the squadCredit: Getty
      Jarrod Bowen has been recalled after his good West Ham formCredit: Reuters
      Moving forward, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson join Bellingham and Phillips as Southgate’s midfield options.
      Sam Johnstone has kept his spot in the team despite Nick Pope’s form at Newcastle.
      Meanwhile, other goalkeepers Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford have kept hold of their spots.
      In terms of forward options, Southgate will have Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford have been called up.
      James Maddison has been given a spot in the squad despite his injury fears.
      Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins have also been recalled and will compete with Kane for a starting spot.
      West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen has also earned a recall to the national team after his form.
      The forward broke the Premier League record for scoring in his first six away games this season.
      Raheem Sterling was also excluded from the teamCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea star Raheem Sterling also missed out on the squad again.
      He was not included in the squad last time as he wanted to get back to his best.
      On Sterling’s continued omission, Southgate said: “The door is 100 per cent open, not only for Raheem but others in this squad.
      “We don’t need to know about his qualities and personality. He is a crucial part of the journey we’ve had in the last few years.
      “We had an exceptional win over Italy. Who do we leave out to put him in? It’s as simple as that.”
      Southgate also explained why Arsenal’s Ben White was excluded from the team.
      He added: “Ben has been very solid for Arsenal. He’s a different profile of full-back. He’s a centre-back playing at full-back, really.
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      “He’s behind a couple of others.
      “We’ve got Kyle, we’ve got Kieran, Reece James, it’s a position we’ve got strength. There’s a couple of good young ones coming through.” More

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      Belgium 3-2 England LIVE RESULT: Wullaert scores brace to seal win over Lionesses as Alex Greenwood suffers head injury

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      BELGIUM have beaten England 3-2 on a disappointing night for Sarina Weigman’s side.The Lionesses found themselves behind early doors after a stunning free-kick from Laura De Neve put the hosts ahead.
      Alex Greenwood was stretchered off in the first half after clashing heads with Belgium’s Jassina Blom.
      Sarina Weigman’s side made it 1-1 through Lucy Bronze’s excellent header before Fran Kirby put England in front minutes later.
      Tessa Wullaert scored Belgium’s equaliser for 2-2, then converted a penalty late in the second half to seal a 3-2 win and give the hosts 3 points in Group A1.
      The defeat in Leuven leaves Sarina Wiegman’s side with a small hill to climb, with the team needing a win against Holland at Wembley in December to keep Team GB’s Olympic qualification hopes alive.

      Match result: Belgium 3-2 England

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      Follow our Belgium vs England live blog below…
      That’s all from Leuven
      England suffer a shock 3-2 defeat to Belgium, leaving them third in Group A1.
      The Lionesses now face a huge uphill battle to qualify for the Olympics on behalf of Team GB.
      Next up for Sarina Wiegman’s side is a return to Wembley Stadium, where they host Netherlands on December 1.
      But until then, thank you for reading and goodnight!
      Sarina Wiegman reacts
      Speaking to ITV, the England manager said:
      “They scored three goals and we scored two. This was a game I think we should have been tighter on the ball. The tempo wasn’t great.
      “We did create lots of chances, we dominated the game totally. We lost the ball and they were gone on the counter attack. It was us that made it hard.
      “They played top and played very compact. It’s something we have to get out of our game. We have to do better in the final third.
      “We were sloppy on the ball and they were ready for that. They play their long ball and they are gone. We didn’t do it good enough today.”
      Credit: Alamy
      Lucy Bronze reacts
      Speaking to ITV, the England full-back said:
      “We created more chances than the last game but we were sloppier on the ball. Their goals came from our loose passes.
      “Apart from that they didn’t really create anything, particularly in the first half and we had a few chances to put the game to bed if we were a little bit more clinical in front of goal.
      “We were pushing at the end, we were unfortunate to give away a penalty. We just couldn’t get the ball across the line in the last 30 minutes.
      “The other game was almost the opposite. We were so good on the ball, we just didn’t create chances.
      “The whole team needed to step up and obviously there was that big break where Alex had to come off who is probably one of our key players on the ball.
      “One of those things. We have to do a lot better. Similar happened against Holland where we gave it away too sloppily, too easily. It’s something we need to work on collectively and individually, we need to look at ourselves and go again.”
      Credit: PA
      Alex Greenwood update
      Alex Greenwood is conscious, taking and being monitored by England’s medical staff.
      The defender was stretchered off with a serious head injury during the first half.
      Match Stats
      The Lionesses had by far the most chances this evening, but they failed to make the most of them.
      Credit: UEFA
      Full Time – Belgium 3-2 England
      England had never conceded three goals in one game under the management of Sarina Wiegman until today.
      Full Time – Belgium 3-2 England
      England are burned by the Red Flames in Leuven.
      Credit: Alamy
      90+2. Belgium 3-2 England
      England have a free kick on the halfway line.
      Kelly takes it, but the ball curls straight towards Evrard and the goalkeeper claims it without coming under any threat.
      90+1. Belgium 3-2 England
      Three minutes have been added on.
      89. Belgium 3-2 England
      Substitution for Belgium.
      Wullaert is replaced by Janssens.
      88. Belgium 3-2 England
      The Lionesses have completely dominated this game, but they have failed to make the most of their chances.
      Belgium on the other hand have done just that.
      85. GOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLL BELGIUM!!!
      Wullaert converts the spot kick!
      84. PENALTY
      Belgium have a penalty!
      Stanway was deemed to handle the ball.
      81. Belgium 2-2 England
      The Lionesses have been all over Belgium in this second half.
      Walsh sends another excellent pass over to Daly in the box, who heads it towards goal, but her effort is saved by Evrard.
      77. Belgium 2-2 England
      England go for goal again as the ball comes out to Bronze on the edge of the box.
      She shoots first time, but Cayman makes the block.
      74. Belgium 2-2 England
      A double change for Belgium now.
      Daniels replaces Blom.
      Delacauw replaces Detruyer.
      68. Belgium 2-2 England
      England make two changes.
      Toone is on to replace Kirby.
      Daly is on to replace Russo.
      65. Belgium 2-2 England
      England look to break forward again as Walsh finds Bronze in the box with a brilliant through ball, but the full-back can just about keep it in before Evrard claims it.
      Credit: EPA
      64. Belgium 2-2 England
      Russo is sent through on goal and attempts to shoot from a tight angle, but her shot hits the side netting.
      61. Belgium 2-2 England
      Earps comes to England’s rescue once again as she makes a brilliant save to deny Wullaert.
      The striker managed to get past both Bright and Carter before getting her shot away.
      59. Belgium 2-2 England
      The Lionesses are desperately trying to chip away at the Belgium defence, but they are struggling to make the most of their chances.
      Just over 30 minutes to play now.
      52. Belgium 2-2 England
      England come close again as Hemp picks up the ball and sets it back to Russo, who sends a perfect pass through to Bronze.
      The full-back heads it to Kirby, who makes a run into the box before shooting, but her effort takes a deflection and is cleared off the line.
      Credit: PA
      47. Belgium 2-2 England
      Chance for England as Kelly sends a free kick into the box.
      Russo looks to get the shot away, but she can’t get enough contact on the ball and it goes out for a corner.
      These set-pieces are proving to be a huge challenge for Belgium.
      46. Belgium 2-2 England
      Missipo is booked by the referee for a reckless challenge on Kirby.
      Luckily, the Chelsea star is able to play on.
      Kick Off – Belgium 2-2 England
      We’re back underway! More

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      England 1 Belgium 0: Lionesses leapfrog rivals in Nations League standings after Lauren Hemp goal & Mary Earps heroics

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      LAUREN HEMP helped England deliver a birthday weekend win for Sarina Wiegman as they overran Belgium in the Women’s Nations League on Friday night. Red Flames’ hopes of turning up the heat on their hosts were dampened by the Lionesses’ hungry attack and 1-0 win at the King Power.
      Lauren Hemp scored the only goal from close range in the first halfCredit: Getty
      Mary Earps made some outstanding saves to keep the clean sheetCredit: Getty
      This was despite a couple of nail-biting moments that produced some top draw saves from crowd favourite and ex-Leicester ace Mary Earps.
      The victory, watched by a lively 28,321-strong crowd, at the Foxes home saw England move up to second and level on points with group leaders Holland. 
      And Wiegman aces were boosted by Fran Kirby making her first Lionesses appearance since last October following her recovery a long-term knee injury.
      England were eager to bounce back after a 2-1 loss to Holland and going five games without a clean sheet. 
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      They overwhelmed the visitors pinning them deep in their half for large chunks of the game including the opening nine minutes. 
      It took just a minute for the hosts to mount their first attack with Niamh Charles dangerous run into the box 
      And Belgium’s backline looked all over the shop when Lauren Hemp saw a shot palmed away from goal before Ella Toone’s effort rolled inches wide of the post. 
      Against the run of play Justine Vanhaevermaet – Belgium’s most dangerous player in attack – forced an impressive 10th minute Earps stop from her towering header.
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      Fran Kirby returned from injuryCredit: Getty
      England took a deserved lead two minutes later after with Hemp slotting home from a corner following skipper Millie Bright’s header 
      And they went close near the half hour mark with the ball whizzing past Alessia Russo near the half hour mark. 
      The second spell saw England maintain the pressure with Alex Greenwood’s curled free-kick prompting a fine Nicky Evrard save 
      This was shortly after Earps classy stop of Sarah Wijnants long range thumper with 34 minutes of normal time left. 
      Wiegman, who turned 54 on Thursday, shuffled her deck with Rachel Daly and Kirby entering the fray in the 65th minute for Russo and Toone.
      Her side saw out the win ahead of the clash with Belgium in Leuven on Tuesday.
      The Lionesses face Belgium again on TuesdayCredit: Reuters More