Charlotte Marsh, Ron Walker • Wednesday 1 November 2023 17:09, UK
England beaten 3-2 by Belgium to dent hopes of progressing in Women's Nations League or qualifying for 2024 Olympics; Lionesses' defence and finishing both endured tough night in Leuven while Alex Greenwood's first-half injury disrupted rhythm
England were left downbeat and downhearted after a late defeat in the Women's Nations League in Belgium on Tuesday night.
Just days after beating Belgium in one of England's better recent performances, how did the Lionesses lose 3-2 in Leuven - and is it indicative of wider issues?
In a topsy-turvy game in Belgium, Laura De Neve's free-kick saw the Red Flames ahead. But two quick goals from Lucy Bronze and Fran Kirby - scoring on her first international start in over a year - saw England in front.
Tessa Wullaert then scored twice - once at the end of the first half and again from the penalty spot after Georgia Stanway's handball - to see Belgium to a famous victory.
It has made England's hopes of reaching the Nations League finals - and the 2024 Olympics - that much harder, with the Lionesses now third in Group A1.
But just how did Sarina Wiegman's side go from winning 1-0 in Leicester on Friday, to a dismal 3-2 defeat four days later against the same opposition.
What has happened to England's defence?
For the majority of Wiegman's tenure, England's defences could barely be breached. On their way to the Euro 2022 title, they only conceded twice against Spain and Germany.
In fact, it has only been since the World Cup quarter-finals that the Lionesses have struggled with keeping the goals out - all while having one of the world's best goalkeepers in between the sticks.
Since the game against Colombia, England have kept just one clean sheet in seven games. In Belgium on Tuesday, they conceded three goals in a game under Wiegman for the first time.
Some may point to recent defensive changes - the Lionesses switched to a back three midway through the World Cup which aided their attacking play, but did not always provide the solidity needed at the other end. It has been a switch between a three and four since.
Niamh Charles has also recently come in at left-back after her fine start to the season with Chelsea, although the full-back position is arguably where England struggle at times.
While usually seeing plenty of the ball, the full-backs push higher up, leaving England exposed in defence. That was clear for Wullaert's first goal, with Charles and Bronze unable to get back to provide much help.
It then does not help the two centre backs, especially when facing a team who proved to be lightening quick on the counter-attack as Belgium are. "They're not playing a possession game, as soon as they win it they're gone," Wiegman told ITV Sport.
Of course, poor passes in midfield does not help this situation either, but England did not seem prepared for the Red Flames' attack, despite having faced the same team just days before.
There continues to be questions asked about the Lionesses defence, and have not looked convincing in some time. Perhaps after one of their heaviest defeats under Wiegman, it may force change or at the very least, players the chance to reflect and improve on their own performances.
Did Greenwood's injury have a detrimental effect?
Alex Greenwood was treated on the pitch for 13 minutes following a clash of heads.
In many ways, yes. Not because of the incident itself, although it will surely have affected the players to see their team-mate and friend stretchered off, but her defensive qualities were sorely missed.
Greenwood was one of England's best players at a sometimes underwhelming World Cup for other members of the squad. Although England's defence has struggled in recent games, there is a comfort knowing Greenwood is there to have a vital impact.
Perhaps this was best demonstrated with two first half chances for Wullaert. The first inside six minutes saw the Belgium captain drive through after a sloppy midfield pass. However, Greenwood just dropped back to play Wullaert offside and the flag eventually went up.
Later, as Wullaert raced through to equalise for Belgium, neither Millie Bright or Jess Carter could get close to the striker. While positioning would also have been different, Greenwood's tactical thinking and defensive abilities were certainly missed in that moment.
Her ability on the ball and the subsequent errors made in her absence were a huge part of the Lionesses downfall too, with Lucy Bronze telling ITV Sport: "Alex having to come off when she's one of our key ball players didn't help, but a similar thing happened against Holland when we gave the ball away too easily."
Hopefully, Greenwood will recover well from her concussion and be available for England's vital final Nations League games in December. It's clear she will be sorely missed otherwise.
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