Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp equaliser salvaged a 2-2 draw for England against Belgium and avoided a second consecutive defeat at Wembley in a matter of days.
Defensive errors came to the fore again for England, who looked to be heading for yet another defeat to a FIFA top 10-ranked opponent, but Bellingham, who had missed two golden opportunities earlier in the match, spared the hosts’ blushes.
Gareth Southgate’s side’s problems started early on with Man City defender John Stones limping off, before Youri Tielemans capitalised on a Jordan Pickford error to give Belgium the lead. The hosts, missing the likes of Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Kyle Walker through injury, responded well to those early setbacks as Ivan Toney won and scored a penalty to bring England level.
Jarrod Bowen had a goal disallowed by VAR for offside and Bellingham missed a sitter before Wembley was left stunned again as Tielemans headed home Romelu Lukaku’s cross to restore Belgium’s lead going into the interval.
England pushed for an equaliser after the break but Bellingham headed another glorious opportunity wide before the impressive Kobbie Mainoo was denied by a smart save from Matz Sels.
Phil Foden then sent a strike wide of the far post as the Three Lions looked to be stuttering towards another defeat, but Bellingham popped up to have the final say on what was a difficult night for England.
- Additional information Sky Sports.