England vs Belgium LIVE: result and reaction as Lauren Hemp early goal gives Lionesses win in Nations League

England return to winning ways with a 1-0 win over Belgium in the Nations League

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England returned to winning ways as the Lionesses beat Belgium in the Women’s Nations League clash in Leicester.

The European champions and World Cup runners-up defeated Scotland in Sunderland to open their Nations League campaign but then suffered just their third defeat under Sarina Wiegman in a 2-1 loss at the Netherlands.

The result had put England in third place in Group A1 ahead of the double-header against Belgium, who lead the standings on four points following their win against Scotland and draw against the Netherlands.

But the Lionesses found just enough on the night to beat Belgium, although it was far from the clinical performance they would have wanted. Despite dominating possession and chances, they were only able to find the net once and that left the game more open than it could have been.

The Lionesses must win their group to advance to the Nations League Finals, and must then get through the semi-finals to book Team GB’s qualification spot for next summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.

Follow for all the latest updates from the King Power Stadium:

England vs Belgium LIVE

• FT: England 1-0 Belgium
• HT: England 1-0 Belgium
• GOAL! Lauren Hemp - England 1-0 Belgium 13’

[27 October 2023 20:34 · Sonia Twigg]

HT: England 1-0 Belgium

HT: England have deserved their lead, but they have been unable to add a crucial second and Belgium remain in with a chance of securing something here.

The Lionesses have dominated chances and possession, but it’s still a slim margin to lead by.

[27 October 2023 20:33 · Sonia Twigg]

England 1-0 Belgium

45+1’ It was a clever corner that picked out De Caigny at the near post, she hooked it in an attempt to secure another shot on target but it went into the side netting.

[27 October 2023 20:32 · Sonia Twigg]

England 1-0 Belgium

45’ Belgium will have a corner from that after a clever headed move and some scrappy play from England.

[27 October 2023 20:31 · Sonia Twigg]

England 1-0 Belgium

44’ England have been a bit too keen to try and win the ball back at times, there have been a few careless free-kicks and there’s another one just inside the Lionesses’ half on the stroke of half time.

[27 October 2023 20:30 · Sonia Twigg]

England 1-0 Belgium

43’ Russo has a shot after being played in by Kelly but the angle was tight and the goalkeeper was able to hold on to the shot.

[27 October 2023 20:28 · Sonia Twigg]

England 1-0 Belgium

41’ Belgium have a corner, but England deal with the initial ball and are able to clear.

[27 October 2023 20:27 · Sonia Twigg]

England 1-0 Belgium

40’ Having just had a shot at the other end, Bright has made a good block in her own penalty box to dispel a rare Belgium attack.

[27 October 2023 20:26 · Sonia Twigg]

England 1-0 Belgium

39’ Hemp wins the ball on the right and finds Stanway, but she can’t get the cross in and Belgium will have another free kick.

[27 October 2023 20:25 · Sonia Twigg]

England 1-0 Belgium

38’ Greenwood’s corner was perfectly curled into the box, but it was defended and cleared by Belgium.

[27 October 2023 20:24 · Sonia Twigg]

England 1-0 Belgium

37’ England are trying to find a breakthrough, but Charles is blocked as she tries to use the stronger left foot rather than shifting to the right.

Millie Bright has a strong shot deflected wide for yet another corner for the Lionesses.