Following the defeat against Brazil, England are all set to host Belgium tomorrow in a FIFA friendly. The Three Lions were in a good rhythm compared to Brazil, who were on a three-match losing streak before facing England. But England failed to fulfill their desired result and lost the match when Brazil teenager Endrick scored a late goal to seal the victory for Brazil.
However, the Three Lions are now desperate to bounce back when they host Belgium tomorrow at the iconic Wembley Stadium. It will be Belgium’s first game in 2024, and they will try their best to start the year with a win.
Stats & Facts
- The last time England and Belgium played was in the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League. England won 2-1 at Wembley but lost 2-0 in Leuven a month later.
- England have lost three of their last four games against Belgium. But they have a strong record against the Red Devils. The Three Lions have secured 16 wins in their 25 meetings with Belgium.
- England’s recent loss to Brazil was their first defeat at Wembley since the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League, where Denmark defeated the Three Lions.
- Belgium’s last defeat was against Morocco in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Team News
Declan Rice, who will be playing his 50th game for England, will captain the Three Lions against Belgium. Rice shared his feelings after being the captain of England. He said, “I’m speechless. Lost for words. When Gareth said to me last night I was going to be captain, I gave him a hug, shook his hand, and thanked him.”
“For my 50th cap, to walk out at Wembley in front of my family and friends, it’s an absolute honour,” Rice added.
However, the Three Lions will miss several players due to injuries. Kyle Walker picked up a hamstring injury and was withdrawn in the 19th minute of the match against Brazil. Harry Maguire and Sam Johnstone also got an injury in this match and are unavailable against Belgium.
Skipper Harry Kane is also injured, but Cole Palmer has returned to the squad and is ready to play for tomorrow’s clash. Manager Gareth Southgate talked about the injury crises. He said, “It’s an incredible number unavailable to us. I haven’t experienced that before. But it means there’s opportunities for other people. We saw against Brazil players step up and take those opportunities which is great for us as well.”
As for Belgium, their all-time leading scorer Romelu Lukaku has returned to training and should be available for the Wembley clash. Midfield maestro Kevin De Bruyne has been struggling with injuries and will miss tomorrow’s match. But Jeremy Doku and Dodi Lukebakio are available against England.
Possible Lineup for England:
Pickford; Konsa, Stones, Branthwaite, Gomez; Mainoo, Rice; Bowen, Bellingham, Rashford; Toney
Possible Lineup for Belgium:
Kaminski; Meunier, Faes, Theate, Deman; Tielemans, Onana, Vermeeren; Bakayoko, Lukaku, Doku
Prediction: England 2-1 Belgium
Although England suffered a defeat against Brazil, the Three Lions are still a favorite at Wembley against Belgium. England have a strong lineup despite missing out on several players through injury. Besides, the electric atmosphere of Wembley will boost their performance, which can be crucial for the Three Lions.
Betfair Odds
England: 1.85
Draw: 3.57
Belgium: 4.60
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