Belgium 3-2 England: Lionesses beaten in UEFA Nations League as Alex Greenwood is stretchered off following head clash

England’s hopes of securing qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics suffered a blow as they suffered a shock 3-2 UEFA Nations League defeat to Belgium in a game marred by an injury to Alex Greenwood.

The defender required 13 minutes of treatment on the field before being stretchered off in the first half following a heavy collision with Jassina Blom.

That came after the hosts had stunned Sarina Wiegman’s side by taking the lead through Laura De Neve, who brilliantly curled a free-kick into the bottom corner, leaving Mary Earps stranded.

The Lionesses responded wonderfully, with Lucy Bronze nodding in off the bar from Chloe Kelly’s pin-point cross just six minutes after Greenwood had been substituted.

The defender nearly had a second moments later, only for her diving header to be saved, while Alessia Russo skewed wide with the rebound.

England didn’t have to wait long for a second though, as Fran Kirby, making her first international start for more than a year, was picked out by Lauren Hemp and converted from inside the area.

Belgium levelled before half-time through Tessa Wullaert but the visitors continued to press after the break, with Kirby seeing one shot cleared of the line and Russo firing wide, either side of Earps thwarting Wullaert at the other end.

For all their pressure, though, the visitors couldn't find another breakthrough, as Rachel Daly had a header saved.

They were then hit by a sucker-punch when a handball was awarded against Georgia Stanway, allowing Wullaert to convert from the penalty spot.

The Red Flames hung on to complete a famous victory that puts the Netherlands in pole position to win Group A1 and qualify for the semi-finals after their 1-0 defeat of Scotland.

England must win their remaining two games against Netherlands and Scotland in December to have any chance of finishing in top spot and boosting their hopes of reaching the Olympics.

England are the nominated nation for Great Britain for qualification for the Olympics, meaning they need to reach the Nations League final to secure a place.

Elsewhere, Northern Ireland drew 1-1 with Hungary to keep their hopes of finishing second in Group B1 alive, while Jess Fishlock’s late goal wasn’t enough for Wales, who were beaten 2-1 by Denmark and remain bottom of A1.

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