27 October 2023 , 20:46
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England got back to winning ways as Lauren Hemp's early goal ensured a 1-0 win over Belgium in the Nations League.
The World Cup finalists weren't at their fluent best but did enough to see off the spirited Red Flames, with a close range finish from Hemp the difference.
She followed up Millie Bright's header coming back off the woodwork for the only goal of the game. England had chances to extend their advantage but were also reliant on some excellent saves from Mary Earps.
The hosts had chances to add to their lead but lacked a ruthless edge, with Alessia Russo having an off night in front of goal. And they needed Earps to be at the top of her game, the goalkeeper making a world class stop to deny Justine Vanhaevermaet’s close range header early on.
The result keeps alive English hopes of winning a fifth trophy since Sarina Wiegman’s appointment two years ago, taking the Lionesses back to second place in their group. Netherlands are top of group A1 on goal difference, after a 4-0 win over Scotland, with England's return game against Belgium coming up on Tuesday. Only the team finishing first qualify for the finals.
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Here are the talking points from Leicester.
Hemp gets Lionesses off the mark
England survived a major scare early on when Earps saved superbly from Vanhaevermant's close range header. And it proved a pivotal moment when they led only minutes later.
Lauren Hemp celebrates after scoring the only goal of the gameMillie Bright rose high to meet Chloe Kelly's inswinging corner in the 12th minute. Her effort hit the post, but Hemp was on hand to tuck home from close range and give England the lead.
It was just what an expectant Midlands crowd needed to get going. From that point on the European Champions had control.
Charles takes her chance
Sarina Wiegman pulled a surprise by tweaking her system for this one. Jess Carter and the back three were out, with Chelsea teammate Niamh Charles and a back four firmly in.
Charles maybe a full-back but is the leading the WSL assist charts so far this term and took her chance with an attacking display. Barely a minute into the game she was rampaging into the Belgium penalty area, firing just over the bar.
Niamh Charles produced a good performance for EnglandAnd that set the tone for her excellent performance, as she took her chance after a first recall to the starting line-up since the Arnold Clark Cup in February. Whether Wiegman will trust her against the top nations is another question, but Charles did her chances no harm tonight.
Walsh making England tick
We all know how important Kiera Walsh is to the England machine. She was missed badly during the last international break, but was back for the Lionesses engine room for this one.
The Barcelona playmaker was outstanding. With England controlling possession against Belgium's narrow block, the majority of their best moves came from Walsh's intelligent passing.
When out of possession she dealt with the physical presence of Vanhaevermaet, and won her fair share of aerial duels, stopping crucial counter attacks. England are from a one-woman team. But they look are much more well rounded side with Walsh on the pitch, running the show.
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Fran Kirby is back
Having missed a year of international football, including the World Cup, it was a joy to see Fran Kirby back on a pitch for her country. The No.14, who was instrumental when England won the Euros, was introduced from the bench in the 63rd minute, to a huge ovation from the Leicester crowd.
Fran Kirby's return was a highlight for EnglandReplacing Ella Toone, Kirby slotted into her favoured advanced playmaker role and immediately looked at home. Against a well organised Belgium side, having her mobility and positional awareness gave the Lionesses an extra dimension as the game wore on.
The Chelsea star is still working her way back towards playing a full 90 minutes. But even in a cameo performance, Kirby showed why she is so highly valued by Wiegman and England.
Toughest tests still to come
The Lionesses knew the pressure was on to deliver tonight after a chastening defeat against the Dutch last time out. Some of their toughest fixtures are still to come.
The Netherlands travel to Wembley in December and there is still a tricky looking trip over the border to Scotland to negotiate. Mathematically it wasn't strictly must win, but realistically if England wanted to keep their Nations League hopes alive, three points was a must.
The job is still far from done and Wiegman will make sure her team are focused for the return game on Tuesday. But at the halfway stage of the group, they are just about on track.