In a stunning turn of events that left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads, the Lionesses suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Belgium in the UEFA Women’s Nations League just days after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against the same opponents. This analysis from Banglawin88 delves into the tactical breakdown, individual performances, and what this means for England’s Olympic dreams.
The match in Leuven was a rollercoaster of emotions. Laura De Neve’s clever free-kick gave the Red Flames an early lead, which was quickly overturned by goals from Lucy Bronze and a returning Fran Kirby, making her first international start in over a year. However, a brace from the prolific Tessa Wullaert, including a late penalty, sealed a historic victory for Belgium, leaving England’s Nations League campaign—and their automatic qualification route to the 2024 Olympics—in serious jeopardy.
England’s players look dejected after a disappointing night in Leuven that saw their defensive frailties exposed.
Analyzing England’s Defensive Collapse
For much of Sarina Wiegman’s tenure, the Lionesses’ defense was a fortress. Their Euro 2022 triumph was built on a foundation of defensive solidity, conceding just two goals throughout the entire tournament. However, a worrying trend has emerged since the World Cup quarter-finals.
The statistics paint a concerning picture: England have managed just one clean sheet in their last seven outings. The three goals conceded in Belgium mark the first time a Wiegman-led England side has let in that many in a single game. This represents a significant shift from their previously watertight backline.
The recent tactical shift to a back three, implemented during the World Cup to bolster attacking options, appears to have come at a cost to defensive stability. The constant switching between a three and a four-at-the-back system seems to have created uncertainty. The advanced positioning of the full-backs, while beneficial in possession, leaves massive gaps on the counter-attack—a weakness Belgium exploited ruthlessly.
As one Banglawin88 football analyst noted, “The system relies on perfect execution. When midfield possession is turned over cheaply, as it was repeatedly in Leuven, the defense is left horribly exposed against quick transitions. They looked unprepared for Belgium’s direct style, which was surprising given they’d just played them days earlier.”
Missed Opportunities in the Final Third
While the defense will bear much of the criticism, the attack was equally culpable for this disappointing result. The Lionesses created more than enough chances to win the game but were let down by poor finishing and decision-making in crucial moments.
Lucy Bronze and Sarina Wiegman were in agreement post-match, both highlighting the team’s wastefulness in front of goal. Alessia Russo, Rachel Daly, and Fran Kirby all had golden opportunities to put the game beyond doubt but failed to convert. This profligacy has become a concerning pattern, raising questions about the team’s attacking configuration.
Russo has led the line for three of the four Nations League games but has only found the net once. Her missed sitter just before half-time in Belgium proved particularly costly. This has inevitably led to calls for a change, with last season’s WSL top scorer Rachel Daly waiting in the wings for a chance through the middle—a position she hasn’t started in since July.
The Impact of Alex Greenwood’s Absence
The distressing head injury to Alex Greenwood in the first half, which required a 13-minute stoppage and her eventual stretchering off, had a profound impact on the game beyond the obvious concern for the player’s welfare.
Greenwood has developed into one of England’s most important defenders, with her tactical intelligence and ball-playing ability proving crucial to how the Lionesses build from the back. Her absence was immediately noticeable. Just minutes before her injury, she had demonstrated her defensive nous by cleverly playing Wullaert offside after a sloppy midfield pass.
For Belgium‘s first-half equalizer, neither Millie Bright nor Jess Carter could get close to Wullaert as she raced through—a situation where Greenwood’s positioning and anticipation might have made a difference. As Bronze later admitted, losing “one of our key ball players” disrupted England’s rhythm and build-up play significantly.
A Night to Forget for Stanway and the Midfield
If one performance encapsulated England’s struggles, it was that of Georgia Stanway. The Bayern Munich midfielder, usually so reliable, endured a torrid evening. Her wayward passes directly led to two of Belgium‘s goals, and her unfortunate handball conceded the decisive penalty late in the game.
Stanway’s struggles were symptomatic of a broader midfield issue. The unit failed to control the game or provide adequate protection for the defense when possession was turned over. Wiegman pointed to this in her post-match analysis, highlighting the need for better ball retention, especially in unexpected moments of loss.
The Path to Redemption: England’s Nations League and Olympic Hopes
The defeat leaves England’s destiny out of their hands—a concerning position for the European champions. To have any chance of topping Group A1 and progressing to the Nations League finals, the Lionesses must win their two remaining games against the Netherlands at Wembley and Scotland at Hampden Park.
However, even maximum points might not be enough. Belgium currently sit top with seven points, and if they win their remaining fixtures against the Netherlands and Scotland, they will progress regardless of England’s results. The qualification rules further complicate matters—teams level on points are separated by head-to-head record rather than goal difference. This means if England need to finish above the Netherlands, they would need to beat them by more than one goal at Wembley to gain the advantage.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Not only is Nations League glory on the line, but qualification for the 2024 Olympics is also tied to this competition. As Great Britain’s representative, England need to reach the Nations League final to guarantee an automatic spot at the Paris Games.
England’s Defensive Woes Exposed: A Deep Dive into the Lionesses’ Shocking 3-2 Defeat to Belgium
The defeat in Leuven serves as a stark wake-up call for Sarina Wiegman and her team. While the talent within the squad is undeniable, the performance highlighted systemic issues that need addressing—defensive vulnerability in transition, wastefulness in front of goal, and a concerning tendency to commit costly individual errors.
The coming weeks will provide an opportunity for reflection and adjustment before the crucial final group games in December. For a team that has achieved so much under Wiegman, this result might prove to be a valuable lesson rather than a terminal decline. But one thing is certain: the margin for error has now completely disappeared. The Lionesses must win their remaining games and hope for favorable results elsewhere if their dreams of Nations League glory and Olympic qualification are to remain alive.
What did you make of England’s performance against Belgium? Where do you think the main issues lie? Share your thoughts with the Banglawin88 community and join the conversation below.
