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England rallied to beat Belgium to top of their Nations League group when Gareth Southgate’s side showed cunning rather than style at Wembley.
Romelu Lukaku continued his excellent international form by breaking the stalemate from the penalty spot, with England conceding for the first time since a defeat in the Czech Republic exactly one year ago.
FULL MATCH DETAILS
But the Three Lions would enjoy their fair share of luck and leveled through a penalty of their own, Marcus Rashford toasting his MBE for the tie, before Mason Mount’s deflected effort earned a 2-1 victory.
The victory puts England above their visitors and leads Group A2 as they look to repeat their feat of reaching the inaugural final last summer.
Before the match, Manchester City and Belgium playmaker Kevin De Bruyne had backed England to compete for the silver medal in major tournaments in the coming years and while the performance needs to be honed, the result at least suggests which may have a point.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez edged Southgate twice during the 2018 World Cup, winning a group match and the play-off for third place.
But this time England secured victory over the team currently ranked as the best in the world, despite Harry Kane being only fit enough for the bench and Raheem Sterling out with injury.
Belgium was also missing a few key names, and Real Madrid couple Thibaut Courtois and Eden Hazard weren’t available for Martinez.
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