After a 3-0 friendly win for England over neighbours Republic of Ireland at Wembley comes a huge UEFA Nations League fixture against Belgium on Sunday – live on talkSPORT.
The Three Lions won the previous Group A2 fixture between the two sides, 2-1 at the home of English football, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount.
England’s fringe stars like Jack Grealish took their chance against Ireland
Another victory is vital for Gareth Southgate’s men if they are going to qualify for the Finals in October next year.
Currently third in table due to their head-to-head record with Denmark, England’s fate isn’t in their own hands but winning will go some way to giving hope of a positive outcome.
Southgate’s side do, though, have quite the task given the Red Devils have not lost in their last 23 home games.
An incredible 21 nations have traveled to Belgium since their last defeat on home soil but none have escaped with a win.
Jamie Carragher and Adrian Durham reminisce on 2007 on-air bottler’ clash as Carragher reveals he was running round Melwood fuming
Meanwhile, England have a poor record against their European foes in recent times, losing three of their last six encounters.
Two of those were at World Cup 2018 as the pair contested a final group stage game, while already qualified for the knockouts, and the third/fourth place play-off in Russia.
Team news
Things might have looked rosy for Southgate against Ireland but two of those who started, Harry Maguire and Reece James, are suspended after red cards against Denmark.
Conor Coady is also absent as he must self-isolate after coming into contact with someone who has coronavirus, while fellow defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez are out with injuries, along with Manchester United’s Rashford.
Gomez has been ruled out for the majority of the season after picking up a knee injury on England duty
Ben Chilwell and Eric Dier are likely to come into the defence, while Jordan Pickford should resume his role as his nation’s No.1.
Tottenham superstar Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling should go into the attack, while Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson are set to play in midfield.
Predicted England line-up against Belgium
You can listen to commentary of Belgium v England at 7:45pm on Sunday – live on talkSPORT
