Summary

  • Hemp's early goal gives England deserved win over Belgium

  • Victory leaves Lionesses second in Group A1 behind Netherlands

  • England were beaten 2-1 by Netherlands in previous game

  • Match played at Leicester's King Power Stadium

  1. Goodbyepublished at 22:30 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    .Image source, Getty Images

    You can read Emma Sanders' England match report here.

    And click here for all the latest women's football news.

    The Lionesses are back to winning ways!

    Thanks for your company.

    Until next time.

  2. Postpublished at 22:26 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    England are back in action next Tuesday when they travel to Belgium for the return match in Leuven. Their final two group games are against the Netherlands at Wembley on 1 December and Scotland at Hampden Park on 5 December.

  3. 'Points are the most important thing'published at 22:20 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    England

    More from England defender Niamh Charles, speaking to ITV4: "We have so much competition in our team. We are pushing each other every day, so when I play I want to do my best for my country.

    "But equally I am just as supportive of whoever plays out there."

    On the manager's requirements for the full back role: "Consistency. Going forward and defensively I need to deliver. Doing my job at the back first, clean sheets are what you build wins off. Then also getting forward when I can, dominate and create those partnerships with the wingers."

    On the importance of the win: "Massive. The three points is what we came for. We did well at the start but dropped off, so to manage the game out was the most important thing."

  4. 'Harder than it had to be'published at 22:16 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT; England 1-0 Belgium

    Emma Sanders
    BBC Sport at King Power Stadium

    As the match wore on, England's frustrations grew.

    Alessia Russo squandered several efforts, Ella Toone struck a shot close to goalkeeper Nicky Evrard, Chloe Kelly had an effort deflected just wide and Alex Greenwood's free-kick was well-saved.

    It meant it was harder work than it needed to be for England and led to some anxious moments in the second half.

    But there were positives for Sarina Wiegman - England are back to winning ways and level on points with group leaders the Netherlands with three games to play.

    There was also a welcome return for Chelsea midfielder Fran Kirby after a year away from the national team through injury.

  5. 'It's great to get forward'published at 22:13 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    England

    .Image source, Getty Images

    England defender Niamh Charles speaking to ITV4: "Yeah I really enjoyed it. it's always nice to get the win and play in front of a capacity home crowd. So a really good night."

    On if it was one of her best England performances: "I think so. I really enjoy playing there at full-back and I think it showed. We got the win too so all in all very good.

    "In a game like this it is nice to get forward from left back. Of course I make sure to do my defensive role first and foremost, but it is great to get forward, combine with the wingers and the number 10 in the pocket too. That's a part of the game that I really enjoy."

  6. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 22:09 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    It's not you it's me: Deserved, could have been more but Belgium dangerous on the break.

  7. Vote for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Yearpublished at 22:06 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    Media caption,

    BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2023: Meet the nominees

    Voting for the BBC Women's Footballer of the Year 2023 is now open.

    Fans from across the world can vote for their favourite from the five-player shortlist of Aitana Bonmati, Mary Earps, Sam Kerr, Alexandra Popp and Fridolina Rolfo.

    The award started in 2015 and previous winners include Beth Mead, Asisat Oshoala, Vivianne Miedema, Lucy Bronze, Kim Little and Ada Hegerberg.

    Voting closes at 09:00 GMT on Friday, 3 November 2023 and the winner of the award will be announced on Tuesday, 28 November on BBC World Service and the BBC Sport website.

    The five contenders for the BBC World Service accolade were chosen by a panel of experts, including coaches, players, administrators and journalists.

    Click here for more information and to vote.

  8. 'We want to be secure on the ball'published at 22:03 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    England

    More from England boss Sarina Wiegman, speaking to ITV4: "We started the game really well, with a lot of pace and looked dangerous straight away. They stepped off in the first half so we played in front of the back line in the pockets, but then the centre backs stepped up onto us and we had to look more in behind.

    "Our tempo dropped in the second half and they then looked dangerous. It is just a lot easier when we score more and make it more comfortable."

    On how to build from the World Cup: "We had games where we lost the ball in moments we don't expect and then the opponent looks dangerous. We want to be really secure on the ball, and then of course go forward and take risks higher up. Decision making has to be right so you do not get hit on the counter, without taking the pace from the game."

  9. Watch Ballon d'Or live on BBC on Mondaypublished at 22:00 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    .Image source, .

    Not long before we find out who wins the Women's Ballon d'Or, awarded to the best best female footballer of 2023.

    England quartet Millie Bright, Rachel Daly, Mary Earps and Georgia Stanway are among the nominees for the prestigious prize.

    All four players helped the Lionesses reach the 2023 Women's World Cup final, where they were beaten by Spain. Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who was recently named Uefa Women's Player of the Year, is also included.

    However, Bonmati's compatriot Alexia Putellas, who won the award in each of the last two years, misses out after only recently returning from a long-term injury.

    Republic of Ireland captain and Arsenal player Katie McCabe is also nominated.

    Watch and see who will be crowned the men’s and women’s footballers of the year live on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport app & website and via the Red Button from 19:45 GMT on Monday.

  10. 'Scoring more would have made things easier'published at 21:57 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    England

    .Image source, Getty Images

    England manager Sarina Wiegman, speaking to ITV4: "We are very happy with the win, especially after losing the last match. I think we played with lots of energy. We wanted to dominate the game and that is what we did.

    "We had hoped to score a few more goals than we did, because then it becomes a little easier. You could see on the counter attack that they looked very dangerous, so if we had the second goal then it would have made it more comfortable.

    On if the squad will be used more in the coming games: "Let's see. We will need to wait and see how players come out of this game. We play to win. These games are really tough and tight. We start with the team that helps us to go and achieve that and then the subs come in if we think we need more energy or something else in a certain area."

  11. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 21:54 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    #bbcfootball, WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Kiera WalshImage source, getty

    Walsh needs more credit, today she controlled the whole game and was crucial in how England moved the ball.

    Marnie, via WhatsApp

  12. 'England deserved win'published at 21:51 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    Karen Bardsley
    Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

    We reiterated over the course of the game that Belgium would be patient and wait for the transition. There is no doubt about their endeavour to turn the ball over and attack at goal.

    On the balance of things, England deserved to win the game tonight. The chance creation and conversion is what we need to see change quickly.

    It is difficult to play the same side back to back. Do Belgium go and tighten up their block and make it even harder for England to break through next time? We'll have to wait and see.

  13. Postpublished at 21:48 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    There's been a lot of noise around players not signing autographs after games. A shattered-looking Millie Bright is busy signing a shirt for a young fan right now. What a souvenir.

  14. Postpublished at 21:45 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    England

    Sarina Wiegman is being interviewed by ITV4.

    The England boss says she is happy with the performance overall.

    "We started the game really well and became very dangerous straight away but then it dropped a bit. Then we picked it up again," she adds.

    Full quotes to come.

  15. Postpublished at 21:41 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    In the other game in England's group, the Netherlands hammered Scotland 4-0. They top the group with six points. England also have six, Belgium four and Scotland one.

    There are three more round of games to go.

  16. 'Unconvincing from England'published at 21:39 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    FT: England 1-0 Belgium

    Emma Sanders
    BBC Sport at King Power Stadium

    Unconvincing again from England but a win is a win. It's their first clean sheet in six matches and they move level on points with group leaders the Netherlands.

    Sarina Wiegman will no doubt be questioned about their defending on set-pieces and lack of clinical edge up front.

  17. FULL-TIMEpublished at 21:36 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    England 1-0 Belgium

    Job done!

    Mary Earps removes her gloves at full time.Image source, Reuters
  18. Postpublished at 90 + 3 mins

    England 1-0 Belgium

    Rachel Daly skips away from an opponent and England are on the attack.

  19. 'Fancy footwork that should be on Strictly!'published at 21:35 British Summer Time 27 October 2023

    England 1-0 Belgium

    Karen Bardsley
    Former England and Manchester City goalkeeper on BBC Radio 5 Live

    Such fancy footwork from Jess Park.

    She just dances around De Neve, from right to left. So good she should be on Strictly Come Dancing!

  20. Postpublished at 90 + 2 mins

    England 1-0 Belgium

    Belgium need a goal but they're too busy passing it around their own box. The Red Flames are running out of time.