England's Lionesses returned to action in style on Friday night, dominating Belgium 5-0 at Ashton Gate in Bristol, marking the first of two crucial fixtures in their UEFA Women's Nations League campaign. The victory not only solidified their position at the top of Group A3 but also showcased a powerful team performance as they look to build momentum ahead of their upcoming matches.
The match kicked off at 8:00 PM BST and was broadcast live on ITV1, with coverage beginning at 7:30 PM. Fans tuned in to see a Lionesses side that had recently secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over reigning world champions Spain, and they were eager to see if Sarina Wiegman’s squad could replicate that success.
England’s lineup featured a strong mix of experience and youth, with Hannah Hampton in goal and a defensive line composed of Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Leah Williamson, and Niamh Charles. In midfield, Keira Walsh, Ella Toone, and Grace Clinton provided a solid foundation, while the attacking trio of Beth Mead, Alessia Russo, and Lauren James aimed to put pressure on the Belgian defense.
Wiegman made just one change from the team that faced Spain, bringing in Beth Mead in place of Jess Park, who had performed admirably in the previous match. The Lionesses were without several key players, including Fran Kirby, Alex Greenwood, Georgia Stanway, and Lauren Hemp, all sidelined due to injury.
The match began with England asserting their dominance early on, and it didn’t take long for them to find the back of the net. Lucy Bronze opened the scoring in the 20th minute, nodding in a well-placed cross from Lauren James. The header deflected off a defender, but it was enough to put England ahead 1-0.
As the first half progressed, England continued to apply pressure, with Alessia Russo coming close to extending the lead on two occasions, hitting the post with her efforts. However, it was Millie Bright who doubled the lead in the 39th minute, finishing from close range after a well-worked move.
As the second half unfolded, Wiegman’s substitutions proved pivotal. Aggie Beever-Jones, who came off the bench, scored her first goal for England in the 67th minute, tapping in a cross from Beth Mead to make it 3-0. Just moments later, Jess Park added a fourth, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to race through and finish coolly past the Belgian goalkeeper.
Keira Walsh capped off an extraordinary night for the Lionesses by scoring her first international goal in the 88th minute. Her strike from the edge of the box took a deflection off a Belgian defender, but it was a moment of personal triumph for Walsh after 83 appearances without finding the net. The final whistle blew with the score at 5-0, a resounding victory that left fans buzzing.
Post-match, Wiegman expressed her satisfaction with the performance, stating, “I’m really proud of the team. We showed great character and determination, and it’s fantastic to see players like Keira and Aggie get on the scoresheet.”
Looking ahead, England will travel to Belgium for the return fixture on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The Lionesses will aim to maintain their winning form as they prepare for a tough challenge against a Belgian side desperate to turn their fortunes around after suffering back-to-back defeats to Spain and Portugal.
Belgium, currently at the bottom of Group A3, will be looking to draw confidence from their previous Nations League victory over England, which they achieved 18 months ago. However, after this heavy defeat, they will need to regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their campaign.
In terms of statistics, England’s performance was clinical, with a total of 15 shots, six of which were on target. Belgium, on the other hand, struggled to create meaningful chances, managing only two shots on target throughout the match. The odds for the match had favored England heavily, with betting sites placing them at 2/11 to win, while Belgium was listed at 9/1.
As the Lionesses celebrate this impressive win, they will also be mindful of the fitness concerns surrounding Alessia Russo and Lauren James, both of whom were substituted due to injury worries. Their availability for the upcoming match in Belgium will be a key consideration for Wiegman.
Overall, this match not only boosts England's confidence as they march towards the Euros but also serves as a reminder of their growing strength and depth as a squad. With key players stepping up and new talents emerging, the future looks bright for the Lionesses as they aim for glory on the international stage.
As the dust settles on this commanding victory, fans will be eagerly anticipating the next chapter in England’s Nations League journey, hoping to see their team continue to shine and perhaps secure a spot in the next round of the competition.
