England celebrated their return to Ashton Gate with an impressive 5-0 victory over Belgium in the UEFA Women’s Nations League. Goals from Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Aggie Beever-Jones, Jess Park and Keira Walsh sent England to the top of the group with three games left to play.
The Action
There had been a buoyant mood in the England camp in the build-up to this fixture, a confidence evident from that eye-catching 1-0 victory over Spain at the end of last window. While that encounter had been a masterclass in how to defend and stifle Spain’s midfield, this game against Belgium gave them an opportunity to show their offensive power against a team that would sit back and try and hit them on the transition.
Sarina Wiegman made just one change from the side that had started at Wembley in February. Completing her return from injury, Beth Mead started on the right of the attack in place of Park. Perhaps also worth noting was that Hannah Hampton retained her place between the sticks.
Ashton Gate has been a happy stomping ground for the Lionesses in years gone by. This was not so much the case for Belgium who were defeated 6-1 by Wiegman’s team the last time they had come to Bristol.
England took control from the start, dominating the ball with an intensity to their play that was maybe lacking at times in 2024. They were finding joy down the right; the link up between Bronze, Mead and Walsh looking particularly strong. They came close early on through a Lauren James free that dipped over the bar by mere centimetres before Alessia Russo agonisingly struck the post from inside the box.
The breakthrough came 20 minutes in when James found herself in space 20 yards out. She picked out the run of Bronze with a pinpoint delivery; the full back leaping to get an impressive touch to divert it home.
The hosts continued to dominate proceedings and while there were a couple of nervy moments when Belgium broke on the counterattack, the Lionesses always had bodies back to win the duels in the area. Down the other end, they threatened to add more. Russo struck the upright once again before Mead saw a well-worked effort tipped expertly behind by Nicky Evrard. They eventually got their second on the stroke of half-time when Bright beat Evrard to the ball, heading home a Bronze delivery.
James was withdrawn at the break due to a problem with her hamstring and it was an opportunity for Beever-Jones to show what she can add to this England setup. She wasted little time in making her mark, scoring her first senior goal in the 67th minute. Jess Park then came off the bench to add a fourth, beating Janice Cayman to the bounce of the ball to break through and calmly slot home. There was still time for another player to open her England account – Keira Walsh fired home with two minutes to play, the first for her country after 83 caps.
It was a comprehensive victory for England who moved to the top of League A, Group 3. They now travel to Leuven on Tuesday to play the same opposition again as the Nations League reaches the halfway point.
Stand Out Moment
Beever-Jones’ goal, England’s third, was the pick of the bunch for the Lionesses not just because of its sigificance for the 21-year-old but also the manner in which it was scored. It was the type of goal that we have seen glimpses of from England over the last 12 months. Quick movement and passing in triangles down the right saw Bronze find Walsh who in turn sent Mead through. The Arsenal winger picked out the perfect delivery across the face of goal, trusting that Beever-Jones would make the run to turn it home. A sublime piece of team football and a moment that Beever-Jones will never forget.
A moment to savour for Aggie Beever-Jones 👨👩👧#ITVFootball | #Lionesses pic.twitter.com/aw3Rjlrv4U
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) April 4, 2025
Stand Out Performance
Lucy Bronze continued her Benjamin Button-like form with another outstanding performance against Belgium. Full of running, she dominated the right side with the opposition defence unable to handle her pace or movement. The 33-year-old scored one, assisted another and played a significant role in England’s third, while also providing extensive cover alongside Leah Williamson in defence.
Quote of the Day
I was most happy with the team performance. The things that we wanted to do, we did for most of the game. Subs coming in and bringing the new energy that was necessary at that point. And also getting the dynamics in. We kept it simple and together and that looks very simple but it’s hard to do. At moments, I thought we made football look a little bit simple.
Sarina Wiegman, England
Teams
ENGLAND
Hannah Hampton; Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson (c), Millie Bright, Niamh Charles; Grace Clinton, Keira Walsh, Ella Toone; Mead, Russo, James
Subs: Mary Earps; Anna Moorhouse; Esme Morgan; Maya Le Tissier; Millie Turner; Jess Carter; Jess Park; Lucy Parker; Aggie Beever-Jones; Nikita Parris; Maisie Symonds
Manager: Sarina Wiegman
BELGIUM
Nicky Evrard; Amber Tysiak, Isabelle Iliano, Janice Cayman (c); Jill Janssens, Jame Teulings, Justine Vanhaevermaet, Davina Philtjens; Hannah Eurlings, Kassandra Missipo, Mariam Toloba
Subs: Femke Bastiaen; Lisa Lichtfus; Ella Van Kerkhoven; Tine De Caigny; Feli Delacauw; Sarah Wijnants; Elena Dhont; Jassina Blom; Nia Elyn; Jasmien Mathys; Marie Detruyer; Laura Deloose
Manager: Elísabet Gunnarsdóttir
