England vs Belgium LIVE: Lionesses make one change and Beth Mead begins in Nations League
The Lionesses are back in action as they host Belgium this evening in the first of two consecutive matches in the Nations League.
England will host their opponents at Ashton Gate in Bristol before heading to Leuven for the following game on Tuesday night.
Sarina Wiegman’s charges have won one and drawn one from their opening two fixtures so far but the manager has her sights set on this summer’s Euro 2025 campaign as well as finishing top of Group A3.
England defeated world champions Spain at Wembley last month following an opening draw against Portugal in Portimao but will be wary of Belgium after a defeat to them in their most recent meeting in October 2023.
Follow all the action from the Nations League with our live blog below as England face Belgium:
Sarina Wiegman speaks ahead of England-Belgium
The Lionesses manager, speaking to ITV:
On Beth Mead’s return:
“We have many opportunities in that position [right wing]. We expect Belgium to drop deep. We went with Beth. It’s disappointing Chloe Kelly is injured.”
England’s return to Ashton Gate
England have won both previous matches they have played at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate – including a 6-1 win over Belgium in February 2023.
This is the only Nations League game they will play away from Wembley, which will also stage the final fixture against Portugal in May.
Alessia Russo in-form for club and country
Alessia Russo has scored six goals in her last 12 England starts and is a striker in form following her goals in Arsenal’s Champions League comeback against Real Madrid.
She was praised by England captain and Arsenal team-mate Leah Williamson this week who said that Russo deserves her success.
“Everyone would always say how nice of a person Alessia is and how good a person she is, and everybody wants her to succeed for that reason,” Williamson said.
“We know what a talent she is and when she’s scoring goals I know how good that is for her.”
Maisie Symonds recalls difficult health journey to England call-up
Maisie Symonds could make her England debut tonight after a surprise – and emotional – first call-up for the 22-year-old Brighton midfielder this week.
She recalled her journey ahead of tonight’s game against Belgium.
UK set to host Women’s World Cup 2035 as ‘one valid bid’
There was good news for football fans in the UK this week as the country is set to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup after Fifa president Gianni Infantino called its interest as “one valid bid” for those finals.
“It’s really good news. It will be really great if that tournament will be held here,” Sarina Wiegman said.
“We know with the experience of the Euros how big the game is already here and what that momentum gets here in this country.
“Another tournament on an even bigger stage would be incredible and give another boost to the game.”
Belgium team to play England
Belgium: Evrard, Cayman, Iliano, Tysiak, Janssens, Philtjens,Teulings, Missipo, Vanhaevermaet, Eurlings, Toloba
A blow for Belgium means they are without Tessa Wullaert, who had scored five goals in her last five appearances and netted twice against England in October 2023.
England’s line-up tonight
England’s team tonight is comprised of players from just three clubs – Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United. Not sure what that says about the current state of the Women’s Super League, but it’s an interesting point to consider.
Chelsea (6): Hampton, Bronze, Bright, Charles, Walsh, James
Arsenal (3): Williamson, Mead, Russo
Man Utd (2): Toone, Clinton
What’s at stake in Nations League?
England’s victory over Spain at Wembley last month was crucial to their chances of topping their Women’s Nations League group and reaching the semi-finals for the first time.
The Lionesses opened the Nations League with a 1-1 draw against Portugal but defeated Spain 1-0 to move onto four points from two games.
Spain defeated Belgium in their first match, with Portugal winning 1-0 in round two. They top the group along with England on four points.
Belgium are without a point so far and now face England in a double-header.
Beth Mead starts for England in only change
Sarina Wiegman makes just one change from the team that defeated Spain 1-0 last month, as she narrows in on her starting line-up for the Euros with a strong team to play Belgium.
Beth Mead is that only change with the Arsenal winger replacing Jess Park on the right side of England’s attack – Chloe Kelly could have been an option but has been ruled out due to injury.
Elsewhere, Wiegman names the same defence and midfield that played against Spain and Portugal. Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Millie Bright and Niamh Charles are the back four, and Keira Walsh, Ella Toone and Grace Clinton are the three in the middle.
Hannah Hampton continues in goal, ahead of Mary Earps, while Alessia Russo is the starting striker and Lauren James is at left wing.
