The EnglandLionesses delivered a commanding performance at Ashton Gate, thrashing Belgium 5-0 to seize the top spot in their UEFA Women’s Nations League group. In a match that saw historic firsts and a display of formidable strength, Sarina Wiegman’s side sent a powerful message to their rivals with just months to go until the European Championships.
This comprehensive victory, powered by goals from Lucy Bronze, Millie Bright, Aggie Beever-Jones, Jess Park, and a long-awaited strike from Keira Walsh, moves England one point clear of Spain in Group A3. For Belgium, the group’s bottom side, it was another frustrating night as they failed to register a single shot on target and remain without a point.
A Dominant Display from the Start
The match began with England asserting their control, though they were forced into a late change before kick-off. Winger Chloe Kelly was withdrawn from the squad due to a foot injury, with Beth Mead coming into the starting XI and Jess Park moving to the bench.
The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute, albeit in fortunate fashion. Lucy Bronze rose to meet a cross, and her headed effort took a significant deflection, completely wrong-footing Belgian goalkeeper Nicky Evrard and trickling into the net. Just before the halftime whistle, Bronze turned provider. She flicked on a Beth Mead corner to the far post where center-back Millie Bright was waiting to bundle the ball home, doubling the lead and effectively sealing the result before the break.
The Subs Make Their Mark: A New Generation Shines
The second half showcased the incredible depth of talent available to Sarina Wiegman. Introduced at halftime for Lauren James, Chelsea’s Aggie Beever-Jones seized her opportunity with both hands. In the 67th minute, she announced her arrival on the international stage, meeting a Mead cross with a first-time, clinical finish to score her first goal for the Lionesses.
The energy of the substitutes was infectious, with Beever-Jones and Jess Park epitomizing the vibrant future of English women’s football.
The momentum continued with fellow substitute Jess Park. Just ten minutes after Beever-Jones’s goal, Park found the net herself, scoring in consecutive games for England following her winner against Spain at Wembley back in February. The rout was completed by a moment every fan had been waiting for. Deep into the game, midfield maestro Keira Walsh, on her 83rd appearance for her country, finally scored her first England goal to put the icing on the cake of a spectacular team performance.
Building Momentum for the Euros
With the European Championships in Switzerland just 89 days away, this performance was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent. The Lionesses are now on a six-game unbeaten run and are visibly growing in confidence and cohesion.
Manager Sarina Wiegman was pleased with the performance, particularly highlighting the impact of the substitutes. “The subs came in and they brought the energy again, but also quality,” Wiegman told ITV. “What I really liked too, was that we kept it simple… that looks easy, but it is pretty hard, and I really enjoyed that.”
She also noted a palpable shift in the team’s development this year, stating, “I do feel something’s happening and we’re getting closer.” However, the experienced coach was quick to temper excitement with pragmatism, warning against complacency ahead of the return fixture in Leuven on Tuesday. “We know we have to improve things. Belgium is a totally different opponent… We’re not going to get complacent.”
A Night to Remember for Keira Walsh
For Keira Walsh, the night was particularly special. After making her debut in 2017, the Barcelona midfielder had waited a long time for her name to be on the scoresheet.
“I’m really excited. It took a big deflection but a goal is a goal,” Walsh joked in her post-match interview. “All the girls are super happy for me, which is a really nice feeling… I’m over the moon and it’s really good to be off the mark.”
When asked where the night ranked in her international career, she placed it near the top. “It’s up there as one of my favourite games. In general with the team performance, we played a lot of good attacking football and it was a nice evening to be part of.”
A moment of personal triumph for Keira Walsh, whose consistent excellence in midfield was finally rewarded with a goal for Baji.
England Lionesses Roar to Nations League Summit with Emphatic 5-0 Victory Over Belgium
This 5-0 triumph was a complete team performance that combined defensive solidity, midfield control, and a ruthless attacking edge. The emergence of new goal-scoring threats like Beever-Jones and Park, coupled with the relentless consistency of stalwarts like Walsh and Bright, makes this England side a formidable force as they build towards defending their European crown.
The performance at Ashton Gate shows that the pipeline of talent for Baji is stronger than ever. What did you make of the Lionesses’ performance? Who was your player of the match? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below
