England face Belgium at Ashton Gate, Bristol, in a winners-take-all decider in 2023 Arnold Clark Cup.
England and Belgium enter this match sat on six points apiece meaning that anything other than defeat would see the Lionesses defend their title, whilst Belgium simply must win if want to snatch the title.
Team News
England have no fresh injury concerns with captain, Leah Williamson set to lead a host of players returning to the starting line-up, after manager – Sarina Wiegman made nine changes for their win against Italy on Sunday.
Wiegman though faces a selection headache up front as Alessia Russio pushes for a return to the starting line-up, yet Rachel Daly will be eager for another start after scoring twice against Italy.
Belgium also have no fresh injury concerns to report as goalkeeper, Nicky Evrard looks to return to the starting line-up after she was rested in their comeback win against South Korea.
Fran Meersman, Elena Dhont and Jill Janssens are amongst other players who were rested against South Korea, and will be expected to feature in the starting eleven here.
When is Kick-Off?
England host Belgium in a title-deciding showdown at Ashton Gate in a 7:45pm GMT kick-off at Ashton Gate, Bristol, with the match broadcast live on ITV4 and ITVX in UK.
Stat Attack
- England have avoided defeat in their last five meetings against Belgium in all competitions (W3, D2).
- Belgium are yet to win an away visit to England in all competitions (D1, L3).
- England won their only previous meeting against Belgium under Sarina Wiegman – prevailing 3-0 in a Euro 2022 warm-up friendly win in June.
- England are looking to win their first three matches of a calendar year for the first time since a four-match run in 2005.
- Belgium have won three of their last five meetings against fellow European opposition (W3, L2).
Prediction
Wiegman’s decision to rotate nine players for their win over Italy felt like a huge gamble in my opinion, yet it paid off with two clinical goals in a hard-working performance where they were constantly frustrated by a stubborn deep Italian defence.
Wiegman though should be worried by England’s end product issues because like in their win against South Korea, they again struggled with the finishing touch to various excellent attacking moves but importantly they know how to get wins even when not looking convincing.
Belgium meanwhile do look vulnerable in their defence as Italy and South Korea have already exposed in two contrastable performances, yet the Belgians have had the better attacking end product which now means that they can clinch the title with a win here.
England though should have enough in them to get the win if they can rediscover their ruthless spark which they demonstrated against South Korea, although Belgium and especially Tessa Wullaert will make this game as difficult as possible.
Prediction: England 2-1 Belgium
Result: England 6-1 Belgium
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