The UEFA Women’s Nations League returned on Tuesday night, April 8, 2025, with England facing Belgium at Den Dreef Stadium in Leuven. The Lionesses, under the guidance of manager Sarina Wiegman, aimed to continue their strong performance in the group stage after a commanding 5-0 victory over Belgium just days prior at Ashton Gate. England was not only looking to maintain their unbeaten streak in the Nations League but also to avenge a previous loss to the Red Flames from nearly two years ago.
Wiegman has expressed her desire for the team to demonstrate their improvement since their last encounter with Belgium, stating, "How I see this game is that we kind of want to get revenge on ourselves. We really want to show we are better than we were then and we can do a lot better." The Lionesses had struggled with their performance levels following their World Cup final appearance, which they narrowly lost to Spain. However, their recent form has been impressive, with victories against both Belgium and Spain, solidifying their position at the top of League A Group 3.
In the lead-up to the match, England fans were buzzing with anticipation, especially after the team showcased their attacking prowess against Belgium in their last outing. Five different players scored in that match, highlighting the depth and versatility of the squad. England has historically performed well against Belgium, having recorded more wins against them than any other team during Wiegman’s tenure.
As the match approached, the atmosphere at Den Dreef Stadium was electric. England's supporters were hopeful for another strong showing, especially with the likes of Beth Mead leading the charge. Mead, who has been a standout performer for the Lionesses, had created eight chances in the previous game against Belgium, marking her as one of the most influential players on the pitch. With a total of 33 goals for her country, she was expected to be a key figure in this matchup as well.
However, England faced some challenges with injuries affecting their squad depth. Alessia Russo, a crucial player, was ruled out, along with Lauren James and Chloe Kelly, who were also sidelined due to hamstring and foot issues, respectively. This opened the door for rising star Michelle Agyemang, who had recently helped the England Under-19s qualify for the European Championships. Agyemang had impressed in the qualifiers, scoring in a 5-1 victory over Austria just days before the senior match.
Wiegman’s strategy going into the game was clear: maintain the attacking momentum while ensuring defensive solidity. The Lionesses had managed to keep a clean sheet against Belgium in their last encounter, and Wiegman would be looking for a repeat performance. She noted the importance of showing their rivals how much they had improved, saying, "The last time we faced them, we didn’t play our best. Now, we want to show that we are a better team."
The match kicked off at 7:30 PM local time, and as the first half unfolded, England quickly asserted their dominance. The Lionesses displayed their trademark attacking style, with quick passes and relentless pressure on the Belgian defense. Fans were treated to a thrilling spectacle as England sought to capitalize on their recent form and secure another victory in the Nations League.
As the game progressed, it became evident that both teams were eager to find the back of the net. Belgium, despite their struggles in the group, had shown flashes of attacking potential in previous matches, including a notable 3-3 draw against England in 2019 and a narrow 3-2 victory in 2023. With the home crowd behind them, the Red Flames were determined to make their mark in this encounter.
England's defense, however, remained resolute. Players like Niamh Charles emphasized the importance of strong leadership on the field, with veteran players like Mead helping to guide the younger squad members. "Beth is good at helping the younger players to come out of their shells. We’re lucky she’s back and she is one of the senior players," Charles remarked, highlighting the team’s camaraderie and support system.
As the second half approached, the tension in the stadium was palpable. Both teams were eager for a breakthrough, and England was keen to add to their tally. With the stakes high, the Lionesses were not just playing for points; they were also playing for pride and the chance to avenge their past defeat to Belgium.
In the closing minutes of the match, England continued to press forward, creating several scoring opportunities. The attacking trio of Mead, Agyemang, and other key players worked tirelessly to unlock the Belgian defense, while the Lionesses' midfielders controlled the pace of the game, dictating play and keeping the pressure on.
As the final whistle approached, the excitement reached a fever pitch. England's supporters were on the edge of their seats, hopeful for a positive outcome as the Lionesses looked to secure their spot at the top of the group. With the match still in progress, fans remained optimistic about their team's chances to continue their winning streak and further solidify their place in the Nations League.
With the game unfolding, the anticipation was thick in the air. Would England be able to secure another victory and prove their dominance over Belgium? Only time would tell as the Lionesses aimed to showcase their growth and determination on the international stage.
