Tessa Wullaert’s brace helped Belgium stun England 3-2 at Den Dreef in 2025 UEFA Women’s Nations League.
Wullaert fired the Belgian Red Flame ahead with a low fourth-minute strike, before she turned playmaker with a free-kick which Justine Vanhaevermaet headed in.
Wullaert added Belgium’s third victory-clinching goal from Davina Philtjens’ low cross to put the hosts in control after 29 minutes.
Beth Mead however cut England’s deficit with a 35th-minute penalty after she was fouled by Philtjens, before Michelle Agyemang netted a 81st-minute strike on her senior debut.
Belgium remain rock bottom of the group but now sit within one point of Portugal following the latter’s 7-1 defeat to Spain, which put the reigning champions top from England by two points heading into the final pair of fixtures on 30 May and 3 June 2025.
Sat top of League A3 coming into this game after a ruthless home win over Belgium but now without Lauren James and Alessia Russo, England were brought down to earth in the fourth minute as Wullaert slipped Niamh Charles to smash Jill Janssen’s over-the-top cross into the far-left corner.
That unexpected goal soon lingered in the air as England struggled to carve out a clear-cut response and were soon punished once more for sloppy defending as Vanhaevermaet headed in unchallenged from Wullaert’s free-kick.
England eventually managed a decent chance from a 24th-minute free-kick as Millie Bright fired just wide at the far-right post from Mead’s free-kick.
Belgium and Wullaert however soon proved too dangerous once more just five minutes later on a sharp fast-paced attack worked to the left, which saw the ball crossed in by Philtjens for an unmarked Wullaert to turn in to put the hosts 3-0 up after just 29 minutes.
Philtjens however made a careless foul on Mead in the 32nd minute inside the box which allowed the 2022 Women’s Euro Golden Boot winner to equalise from the spot, as she put her penalty away into the left corner just three minutes later to spark some life into the Lionesses.
Nikita Parris and Aggie Beever-Jones saw chances denied as England continued to push to reduce their deficit, yet Belgium resiliently dug in defensively to protect their lead into half-time.
Belgium’s defence continued to prove resolute against a second-half onslaught from England as Mead and Lucy Bronze put opportunities wide.
Bronze however was controversially denied a 54th-minute penalty after she was brought down by Amber Tysiak, yet referee – Maria Ferrieri Caputi bizarrely adjudged her to had dived and instead dished out a yellow card.
England continued to toil until substitute, Agyemang smashed a 81st-minute right-footed half-turn shot in past Lisa Lichtfus from Leah Williamson’s deep cross to set up a tense finish, just 40-odd seconds after she had come on for her debut.
Belgium eventually clung on amidst time-wasting with throw-ins to condemn England to another 3-2 defeat at the Den Dreef, just like in October 2023.
What’s Next?
Belgium face a crucial home clash against group leaders, Spain, on Friday 30 May at Den Dreef, Leuven, before visiting Portugal on 3 June in their final group match.
England meanwhile host Portugal in a must-win penultimate game at Wembley Stadium on 30 May at 7:45pm BST, before they visit Spain a potential blockbuster top-of-group decider on 3 June in Cornelia de Llobregat.
Teams
Belgium: Lisa Lichtfus, Laura Deloose, Amber Tysiak, Janice Cayman, Jill Janssens, Justina Vanhaevermaet, Jarne Teulings (De Caigny 92′), Davina Philtjens (Dhont 77′), Tessa Wullaert, Marie Detruyer (Delacauw 70′), Hannah Eurlings (Blom 70′)
Substitutes: Mariam Toloba, Femke Bastiaen, Jassina Blom, Tine De Caigny, Feli Delacauw, Elena Dhont, Nia Elyn, Nicky Evrard, Sarah Matthys, Kassandra Missipo, Ella Van Kerkhoven, Sarah Wijnants
England: Hannah Hampton, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Millie Bright (Morgan 46′), Niamh Charles (Carter 46′), Grace Clinton (Toone 60′), Keira Walsh, Jess Park (Agyemang 80′), Beth Mead, Nikita Parris (Kirby 60′), Aggie Beever-Jones
Substitutes: Michelle Agyemang, Jess Carter, Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, Maya Le Tissier, Anna Moorhouse, Esme Morgan, Jess Naz, Lucy Parker, Maisie Symonds, Ella Toone, Millie Turner
Referee – Maria Ferrieri Caputi
