Belgium vs England: Preview, Betting Tips, Stats & Prediction

Ace Football previews the UEFA Nations League match between Belgium and England, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.

England pay a visit to Belgium in Leuven on Sunday night for a game that could decide their Nations League fate.

Belgium lead Group A2 on nine points from four games and a win may secure them a spot in the finals pending the outcome of Denmark’s game against Iceland. England, on the other hand, sit third on seven points.

The visitors, who won the corresponding fixture 2-1 at Wembley last month, know victory is a must. Even a point on Sunday would leave their Nations League fate out of their hands with a two-point deficit to their opponents.

But, with both sides in good form and set to recall several star players, the upcoming clash in Leuven should be an exciting affair.

Belgium Form & Stats

The world’s No.1 ranked side, as mentioned previously, sit top of Group A2 with a two-point lead over Denmark and England. Qualification to the finals could be possible on Sunday, leaving the squad all fired-up.

Belgium kicked off their preparations by overseeing a 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland midweek. Michy Batshuayi scored both goals to extend their excellent run of form to 14 wins in 16 games across all competitions (D1 L1).

England, in fact, are the only team to have defeated Roberto Martinez’s men since November 2018. That match opened up Group A2, making it a three-way battle for top spot and qualification to the finals.

Moreover, Belgium haven’t been quite the same after losing to England despite scrapping 2-1 wins over Iceland and Switzerland. Although a home advantage, on top of the prospect of sealing top spot, will surely have them fired-up.

Key Team Stats

• Have won 14 of their last 16 games in all competitions (D1 L1).
• Won eight of their last nine home games in all competitions (D1).
• BTTS in seven of their last eight games in all competitions.
• Michy Batshuayi has scored five goals in his last three appearances.
• Romelu Lukaku has scored 10 goals in his last eight appearances.

England Form & Stats

The Three Lions arrive on the back of a solid 3-0 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland midweek. That, along with their recent success over Belgium, should leave them optimistic of a decent game. But can they pull one over their opponents away from home? After all, their Nations League fate will only be in their own hands if they win.

The talent in Gareth Southgate’s young and up-and-coming squad is unquestionable, but two defeats in their last three meetings with Belgium is a concern.

A 1-0 defeat to Denmark, meanwhile, could prove most costly. Not only did Christian Eriksen’s penalty goal cost them crucial points, Harry Maguire and Reece James got sent off during the match. Now it’s three points or nothing in their next two matches to keep hopes of a first major title since 1966 alive.

Key Team Stats

• Won seven of their last nine games in all competitions (D1 L1).
• Won three of their last five away games in all competitions (D1 L1).
• Under 2.5 goals in their last five games in all competitions.

Team News

Belgium

Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Simon Mignolet, Koen Casteels, Gaetan Coucke.

Defenders: Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Thomas Vermaelen, Thomas Meunier, Brandon Mechele, Dedryck Boyata, Jason Denayer, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Hannes Delcroix, Leander Dendoncker.

Midfielders: Kevin De Bruyne, Axel Witsel, Thorgan Hazard, Nacer Chadli, Youri Tielemans, Dennis Praet, Thomas Foket, Joris Kayembe, Hans Vanaken.

Forwards: Romelu Lukaku, Dries Mertens, Christian Benteke, Michy Batshuayi, Yari Verschaeren, Charles De Ketelaere, Dodi Lukebakio, Jeremy Doku.

England

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Dean Henderson.

Defenders: Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, Eric Dier, Kieran Trippier, Bukayo Saka, Michael Keane, Ben Chilwell, Tyrone Mings, Reece James, Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Declan Rice, Jack Grealish, Harry Winks, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham.

Forwards: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Tammy Abraham, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Predicted Line-ups

(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)

Head-To-Head Analysis

Belgium and England have faced each other 24 times previously since May 1921. The visitors have won 16 times, drawn four, and lost on four occasions.

Below are the five most recent meetings and some head-to-head stats on the team’s recent form in the Nations League.

Match Facts

Betting Tips

More Odds

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