It is nail-biting time in Nations League A Group 2 as first-place Belgium host third-place England. Belgium sit on nine points from 12 possible heading into the penultimate matchday of Group 2.
England are two points behind Belgium in the race for the Nations League playoffs. Denmark are also on seven points and could go top of the table with a win versus Iceland, and results going their way between Belgium and England in Leuven.
Matchday 3 saw England claim a come from behind 2-1 win versus Belgium in London. Romelu Lukaku scored in the first half but Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount hit back to give England the win. It is the only blemish on the Belgians’ record in Group 2.
England have struggled to get goals in Group 2. While they have been free-scoring in the Euro 2020 qualifying and in international friendlies, England have struggled to tickle the nylon in the Nations League.
Just three goals have been scored in four Nations League games. Two of those goals were scored versus Belgium. England’s defence has been strong allowing just two goals against.
These national teams have met 24 times in all international competitions over the years. England have posted a brilliant 16W-4D-4L record during that time. History favours the Three Lions.
However, prior to their 2-1 win at Wembley in October, England had lost back-to-back games against Belgium. Both losses came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
England have several players missing due to injury. The most notable is Liverpool duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez. The latter is now out for most of the season after undergoing knee surgery this week.
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez is without captain Eden Hazard, who withdrew from the team. Hazard tested positive for COVID-19 forcing him out of the squad. The former Chelsea player’s problems seem to continue to get worse since joining Real Madrid.
Sunday’s game is a must-win match for both Belgium and England. A win will nearly give Belgium the group while England can keep hope of making the playoffs alive with a result.
The biggest winners of the group could be Denmark, who have a winnable game against Iceland before playing Belgium on matchday 6.
England’s goal scoring issues should continue in a stalemate in Leuven. Expect under 2.5 goals scored in a very different game to the one played in October at Wembley.