England 2-1 Belgium: 5 talking points as Three Lions overtake nation number 1

Marcus Rashford’s penalty and Mason Mount’s deflected goal saw England rally from a 1-0 deficit to beat FIFA’s top-ranked Belgium to top their UEFA Nations League group.

The hosts fell behind at Wembley in the 16th minute when Romelu Lukaku ended England’s six-clean sheet streak from the penalty spot. The Inter Milan star was brought down in the box by a challenge from Eric Dier and sent Jordan Pickford down the wrong path from 12 yards.

But his former Manchester United teammate Marcus Rashford was available to equalize for the hosts before the break, converting a penalty after Jordan Henderson was fouled by Thomas Meunier.

And Mount’s deflected punch just after the hour mark put the Three Lions ahead, as their flexing effort from the corner of the box hit Toby Alderweireld’s leg and shot over Simon Mignolet.

Here are five talking points from England’s 2-1 win over Belgium:

1. Belgium punishes Dier’s mistakes

Eric Dier has impressed at the heart of Tottenham’s defense this season, but he endured a first half to forget at Wembley.

The 26-year-old, who was operating in the center of England’s three-man defense, was unable to play the offside trap and a Belgium attack ended with Yannick Carrasco grabbing a cross to open the scoring in the 12th minute.

Fortunately for Dier, the flag was raised when Jordan Pickford’s view was deemed to have been obstructed by Timothy Castagne in an offside position.

But there was no reprieve for the Spurs man minutes later as he conceded a penalty with a wild tackle to Romelu Lukaku.

The Inter Milan ace made no mistake from the spot to put Belgium ahead and punish Dier’s clumsy challenge.

2. Rashford scores MBE with goal

The day after he was named MBE on the Queen’s birthday honors list, Rashford kept his cool to smash a penalty to Simon Mignolet and draw for England before half-time.

The 22-year-old’s goal means he has scored in four straight games for the Three Lions and brought his international tally to 11 in 39 appearances.

England have a host of options in forward roles and Rashford is competing with Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount for a starting spot.

But with the arrival of the Euro next summer, Rashford showed why he should be one of the first names on the team sheet with his performance on the left flank.

As well as converting his penalty, Rashford was a constant outing for England and his quick runs down the touchline caused Thomas Meunier all kinds of problems.

Despite United’s tepid start to the season, Rashford also has two goals in five games, including his impressive solo effort against Brighton in the Premier League.

His pace of work, versatility and eye for goal are priceless for England.

3. Lukaku, one of the best in Europe

Romelu Lukaku’s goal numbers are a remarkable reading.

The former Everton and Manchester United striker has scored 53 times in 86 games for his country at just 27 years old.

He also has 224 goals at club level and has three of three appearances for Inter Milan this season, following his 34-goal debut season at San Siro.

Named the 2019/20 Europa League Player of the Season last week, Lukaku proved himself a complete striker with his display at Wembley.

He outscored the England defense with his late game and matched well with Kevin De Bruyne and Yannick Carrasco throughout the match.

There is no doubt that number 9 from Belgium is one of the best center forwards in Europe.

4. England kickback penalty

The penalty won by Jordan Henderson remembers those who fouled the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Liverpool captain was running towards the goal when a corner kick came in from the right and fell when Thomas Meunier grabbed him by the shoulder from behind.

According to the letter of the law, Henderson was fouled and the decision to sanction was correct.

Nonetheless, it was surprising to see referee Tobias Stieler signal the point for a foul that would generally be overlooked by Premier League officials, who have the VAR safety net to nullify clear and obvious mistakes.

5. Assemble the Rewards Selection

Gareth Southgate’s starting eleven drew attention before the game, with only Kieran Trippier and Dominic Calvert-Lewin called up by the starters who beat Wales 3-0 on Thursday.

Jack Grealish’s absence was criticized as the Aston Villa captain impressed on his first outing but was knocked out by Mason Mount in the three-man attack.

But Southgate’s team selection was rewarded when Mount knocked out the important winner to sink the nation number one in the rankings.

With the help of a strong deflection from Toby Alderweireld, the 21-year-old demonstrated why he has become a mainstay in Frank Lampard’s Chelsea teams with an important goal from a wide attacking square.

As mentioned, England are blessed with many flanking options and Mount may have a hard time maintaining a starting role when Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho reconsider.

But don’t rule out that Chelsea’s academy graduate will play a major role in shaping Southgate going forward.

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