Belgium vs England tips: Nations League predictions & odds
But, there is still work to be done if the World Cup runners-up are to earn top spot in Group A1 and book their place in the Nations League Finals next summer.
Belgium proved that they are more than capable of defeating high-quality opponents on home soil after beating Netherlands in their opener.
A late strike from Jassina Blom allowed Ives Serneels’ team to kickstart their campaign with a win.
They were a tough outfit to crack for the Lionesses last time out, and will look to strengthen their own claim for top spot.
After looking at the best football betting sites, here are our predictions for the contest.
Both teams to score and England win
England’s performances since the World Cup have not been outstanding, which Wiegman has accredited to facing stronger opponents at the back.
The Lionesses were not short on shots in the final third in their win over Belgium last time out, but only managed to fire seven on target, including Hemp’s strike that decided the game.
It’s fair to say that they were a tad wasteful and need to rediscover their clinical edge.
Scotland made life tough on England too even though Wiegman’s team in their Nations League opener.
Their defeat at the hands of Netherlands was a surprise, although Wiegman’s team were only beaten by a last-minute strike from Renate Jansen.
Belgium tested their resolve at times on home soil as Mary Earps was called on to deny Justine Vanhaevermaet and Sarah Wijnants.
Wiegman will be aware of Belgium’s threat, especially from set pieces where they looked particularly dangerous. It’s why we’re looking at both teams to score in the contest, but for England to grind out a win at odds of 9/4 with BetVictor.
The Lionesses have too much quality with Alessia Russo, Lauren Hemp, Lauren James and Rachel Daly for their wastefulness in front of goal to continue, but Belgium at home could be good for a goal.
Hemp to continue rich vein of form
Hemp has been England’s standout in the final third in the early stages of the Nations League group stage.
She has scored twice in three matches, notching decisive goals against Scotland and Belgium. Going back further, the Manchester City forward has scored five in her last 10 for her country.
When England have needed a poacher in the penalty area, Hemp has been on the spot.
She produced a brilliant header to double the Lionesses’ advantage against Scotland, and was first to react to a loose ball in the box against Belgium. Without Hemp’s production, England may well have been in a very different position entering matchday four.
The 23-year-old has played a lot of football recently, but she does not seem to be feeling the effects. She is now adding clinical play in the box to her tireless attitude and skill on the ball.
We’re backing Hemp to continue her impressive run at odds of 11/8 with William Hill.
Match shots over 23.5
Both teams were keen to play their football in the last match as there were 35 attempts at goal. England mustered 23 shots on the Belgium net, while there were 12 shots from the visitors on Earps’ goal.
Given that the sides are playing again so soon after the contest we may see a different approach from the two managers.
It was a fairly open contest and Serneels may not want to give England the same opportunities they had in Leicester, relying on the Lionesses’ poor finishing to keep them in the game.
Bookmakers have set the line for match shots at 23.5, which given the last game could be on the low side. We’re going to take the over for our bet at odds of 5/6 with bet365.
Simon Sinclair is an experienced sports journalist, who has written for national publications for football, cricket, NFL and many more. He contributes tips on a wide range of sports for The Independent.
