International Friendly: England and Belgium play out enjoyable draw
England 2 - 2 Belgium
Jude Bellingham late on to secure a draw for England in a friendly against Belgium, preventing a second consecutive defeat at Wembley.
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Having lost at home to Brazil, Gareth Southgate's reshuffled side was a mixed bag.
They displayed good potential at times in attack but they were vulnerable at the back, and this was ruthlessly exploited by Belgium before Bellingham's dramatic intervention seconds from time.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made a rare error, his first to cost a goal in 60 international appearances, when his poor clearance led to Youri Tielemans putting Belgium ahead after 11 minutes.
Ivan Toney scored his first international goal on his first England start, equalizing from the spot just six minutes after he was brought down by Jan Vertonghen.
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Jarrod Bowen had a close-range header ruled out for offside before another England error saw Belgium restore their lead nine minutes before the break.
Lewis Dunk's mistake allowed Romelu Lukaku to provide the perfect cross for Tielemans to head in at the far post.
Bellingham had two missed opportunities, while Phil Foden failed to capitalise on his chance, driving the ball across the goal-mouth.
Belgium keeper Matz Sels saved well from Bowen before Bellingham made amends for his earlier misses when he drove home a low finish with virtually the game's last kick.
Mainoo impresses
During the game, 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo made an impressive first start for England.
Manchester United midfielder Mainoo may just have solved one of manager Southgate's big conundrums with a performance of maturity and quality on his first England start.
Southgate is still searching for the perfect midfield combination. However, Mainoo performed confidently throughout the game and was substituted later.
The combination of Mainoo and Declan Rice playing behind the roaming Bellingham looks an attractive one and the youngster must surely be on the plane to Germany at least, perhaps even a starter.
Toney improves his chances of going to Euro 2024
The Brentford striker Ivan Toney. His performance could help him secure a place in the Euro 2024 team as Harry Kane's backup. He put up a fine display, showing excellent touches and his usual composure while taking the penalty shot to score his first goal for England.
The display could put him ahead of Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins in the race to become Kane's understudy for the upcoming tournament.
Toney also became the first Brentford player to score for the England national team.
"It was good to be playing for my country. Massive moment."
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) March 27, 2024
Ivan Toney on becoming the first Brentford player to score for @England 🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/uQH319y2ON
What about Lewis Dunk?
It was not such a good night for Brighton defender Dunk, who made another mistake leading to Belgium's second goal, having also been involved in Brazil's winner in Saturday's 2-1 friendly loss.
Dunk now faces the agonising prospect of missing out on selection for Germany. It has not been a good international break for the centre-back who has performed with such distinction for Brighton.
A summary of different players performances
West Ham United forward Bowen was one of England's standout performers, but he faces tough competition to secure a place in the team.
Bellingham, though, once again demonstrated what a power he will be for England in the tournament. Despite missing opportunities, he remained tenacious and drove Southgate's team to a deserved draw.
The international break may well have cleared up a few questions for Southgate about the make-up of his defence, midfield and attack when he names his party for Germany - and for that alone, these matches were a worthwhile exercise.
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Best fan reaction
A topsy-turvy encounter ends 2-2 at @wembleystadium! pic.twitter.com/GNfDYGZccs
— England (@England) March 26, 2024
Liam, a Manchester United fan, was delighted with Mainoo's performance. He said: "He moves the ball effortlessly. I'm confident he'll soar for club and country."
Sarah, an Everton fan, was curious about the decision to not select one player. She said: "Why wasn't Jarrad Branthwaite not used? He's been performing better than most of our defenders this season. It's so frustrating."
Ryan was in attendance at Wembley. He spoke about England's missed chances. He added: "We should have won that considering the chances we had. However, these two games will prove beneficial in the long run. I understand that some people may have negative views, but we should focus on the positives."
