Belgium ends England's Nations League hopes with 2-0 win

Dries Mertens scored a superb free kick as Belgium ended England's hopes of reaching Nations League finals with a 2-0 win Sunday.

With one round of games left, Belgium has a five-point le over third-place England in top tier's Group 2 but has t yet secured qualification. Top-ranked Belgium will host second-place Denmark on Wednesday with a place in finals next year at stake. A draw will be eugh for Belgium which les Denmark by two points.

Held without fans because of coronavirus restrictions, match got off to a promising start with both teams determined to play with intensity. England pressed high throughout and enjoyed long spells of domination but lacked efficiency in final third. Belgium, in contrast, defended well and h that finishing touch.

Belgium took le in 10th minute after captain Jan Vertonghen me most of a loose pass from Eric Dier to recover ball and ignite a quick move. Romelu Lukaku set up Youri Tielemans, whose low shot from edge of box took a deflection, hit post and ended in back of net.

Harry Kane, making his 50th appearance for England, was dangerous throughout. He came close two minutes after England h conceded but his goal-bound heer was cleared off line by Lukaku.

Dries Mertens me it 2-0 with his 21st international goal. After Kevin De Bruyne won a free kick close to area in 23rd minute, Mertens expertly curled his kick above English wall — which mostly failed to jump — and lodged ball into left corner, beyond goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's dive.

hosts n let opposition have ball as England pushed hard to pull one back but could t find a cutting edge.

England continued to apply pressure in second half and still wasted chances, tably from set-pieces. Despite enjoying possession and winning nearly all duels in midfield, England remained ineffective. Kane's low effort was stopped by Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois following a good combination near hour mark, shortly before Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish fired over bar from inside area.

Belgium finally created its first second-half chance with 15 minutes left following a team move between De Bruyne, Mertens and Lukaku, only for Lukaku to shoot straight at Pickford.

Inter Milan striker h ar chance to d more luster to win but shot wide at conclusion of a fast counterattack in ded time.

Im credits: AP