The young Lionesses showed what they had to offer against Belgium with a 4-1 win at Prenton Park.
After a tough 0-0 against Spain last week, England U23’s arrived at Prenton Park for their next international friendly on Monday night (Februray 20).
From kick off, the fight from both teams was noticeable but the chances kept coming for England.
Belgium side showed their strength with precise passing and brilliant footwork into the box multiple times in the first 10 minutes. Despite the hard work, they couldn’t stop Aggie Beever-Jones sliding through the defence where she found Missy Bo Kearns who slotted cleanly to make it 1-0.
The following 10 minutes saw Belgium grow stronger and more confident, holding the possession and waiting for the hosts to make a mistake. The hard work paid off with miscommunication from England resulting in Marie Minnaert making it 1-1.
Both teams created chances before half time to keep the Prenton Park crown entertained, with both goalkeepers called into action. Belgium’s number one, Lisa Lichtfus put it safely over the bar after Laura Blindkilde-Brown nearly put England back in front just before the break.
The second half started in the same vein as the first with equal possession and passion but the young Lionesses started to find a way through the Red Flame defence.
Beever-Jones powered through the midfield once again and found the perfect pass to Angela Addison on the wing. Without hesitation, Addison put the ball over Lichtfus for England to take the lead. The Belgians were caught short again when a cross from Kearns bobbled around the box before Poppy Pattison added herself to the scoresheet.
With tensions growing, England took the game in their stride. Chances kept coming for the Lionesses, but the final moment just wasn’t there.
A free kick in the dying seconds from the edge of the box extended England’s lead as a header from Kiera Skeels slipped through Lichtfus’ arms to make it 4-1.
This was a much needed improvement on England’s last outing but Belgium also played their part in an entertaining game with impressive performances from both squads.
