A late goal from Jude Bellingham saved England from a second successive defeat at Wembley as Gareth Southgate’s side salvaged a 2-2 draw against Belgium.
The Three Lions had fallen behind to a Youri Tielemans goal after Belgium punished two defensive errors in the first half – but Bellingham equalized with the last kick of the game after England dominated the second half.
Aston Villa midfielder Tielemans scored twice before half-time, first punishing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s woeful clearance, before Romelu Lukaku’s perfect cross set up his second after Lewis Dunk slipped.
Ivan Toney scored his first England goal from the penalty spot to equalize in the first half, but Bellingham saw two chances go as Phil Foden shot just wide.
And Bellingham’s persistence was rewarded as the Real Madrid midfielder grabbed the equalizer in the 95th minute. Catch live updates from England v Belgium on tonight’s live blog while you can see the latest odds and tips for the match, here:
Jude Bellingham’s new England role gives Gareth Southgate’s Euro plans a late twist
On a night when Jude Bellingham may have lost his status as England’s youngest midfield prodigy, he still had the last word.
A night of mischievous finishing from Real Madrid’s top scorer was capped off with the surest of shots, sticking into the bottom corner for a 95th-minute equalizer against Belgium: Bellingham often had a flair for the dramatic and, saving England from a second defeat in four days, he scored just his third international goal.
If the glimpse of the future had first come from Kobbie Mainoo, with a deft touch and a wonderful ability to evade opponents, on his maiden international start, England then saw what the Bernabeu has seen for much of this season: Bellingham the scorer.
Will CastleMarch 26, 2024 10:52 p.m
When will England’s Euro 2024 squad be named?
However, with a number of players missing through injury, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Reece James, Kieran Trippier, Marc Guehi and Callum Wilson to name but a few, there are still plenty of decisions for Southgate to make before settling down. in his final 23 players for the tournament.
The reduction in squad size from the 26 players allowed at the last two major tournaments means Southgate is unlikely to gamble on players who have not proven their fitness at the end of the season, with the Premier League concluding on Sunday 19 May.
Here’s everything you need to know about the team’s announcement.
Will CastleMarch 26, 2024 11:17 p.m
England man ratings as mistakes by Jordan Pickford and Lewis Dunk prove costly against Belgium
The Three Lions dominated much of the match but found themselves behind at the break, with Ivan Toney’s equalizer sandwiched between two preventable goals from Youri Tielemans.
Phil Foden, Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo all leveled after the break but it was in the fifth minute of four that England found parity, with Bellingham slotting home after excellent work from Ollie Watkins and James Maddison keep the ball alive.
It spares Gareth Southgate the reds of back-to-back home defeats, with the England manager now turning his full attention to selecting his Euro 2024 squad.
See how the players rated at Wembley.
Will CastleMarch 26, 2024 10:28 p.m
(The FA via Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
Will CastleMarch 26, 2024 10:26 p.m
Ivan Toney hopes he’s made an impression
Ivan Toney spoke after the game after scoring his first goal for England against Belgium.
“Very special to get on the scoresheet,” he said. It would have been a bit disappointing if we had lost the game, but luckily we got a draw. I feel like we absolutely deserved something.
“I have to stay calm at the penalty spot, I always do that, take my time and go with the ball. I saw the keeper try to come out and send me off, but I stay calm, make the keeper work for me and put it in the back of the net.
“I hope I did (make an impression). I always try and work hard, even when I’m not playing. I’m always rooting for the boys, like I keep saying, it’s friendly competition, I wish him (Oli Watkins) the best every time he steps on the field.
“But I felt I did well today and hopefully I did enough to put my name down to go to the Euros.”
Will CastleMarch 26, 2024 10:19 p.m
FINAL: England 2-2 Belgium
England were one breath away from a second straight defeat at Wembley – yet, looking back on that performance, there was plenty to be encouraged about.
The Three Lions were by far the dominant side, creating a plethora of good chances and breaking down the Belgian rearguard on a few occasions.
Ultimately it was their end product that let them down over the 90 minutes – as well as two defensive lapses that led to both of Youri Tielemans’ goals.
Jarred Bowen, Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo also gave fans plenty to write home about, proving there is depth beyond England’s talent.
Will CastleMarch 26, 2024 10:13 p.m
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
(The FA via Getty Images)
Will CastleMarch 26, 2024 9:58 p.m
FINAL: England 2-2 Belgium
Jude Bellingham grabbed the equalizer in the dying seconds at Wembley to deny Belgium a first win in England.
The Three Lions dominated much of the match but found themselves behind at the break, with Ivan Toney’s equalizer sandwiched between two preventable goals from Youri Tielemans.
Phil Foden, Ivan Toney and Kobbie Mainoo all had openings to level the scores after the interval, but it would take the fifth minute of four to find parity, with Bellingham hitting back after excellent work from Ollie Watkins and James Maddison kept the ball alive. .
It spares Gareth Southgate the reds of back-to-back home defeats, with the England manager now turning his full attention to selecting his Euro 2024 squad.
Will Castle26 March 2024 21:45
TARGET! England 2-2 Belgium
90+5 minutes: TARGET! ENGLAND HAS SAVED HER!
Jude Bellingham proves persistence pays off as he heads home in the fifth minute of four extra minutes.
Essentially the last kick of the game, denying Belgium a first win in England.
Will CastleMarch 26, 2024 9:40 p.m
England 1-2 Belgium
90+4 minutes: The corner kicks in and the chance ends as James Maddison clears a free-kick.
Will Castle26 March 2024 21:38