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England hopes of reaching the Nations League Finals were ended as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium. Gareth Southgate’s side needed at least a draw to ensure their chances of topping Group A2 remained alive going into their final game against Iceland.

However, first-half goals from Dries Mertens and Youri Tielemans put the hosts on track for a win that leaves them needing just a point in their final group game against Denmark to reach the Finals.

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Belgium made a strong start to proceedings as some front-footed defending from Jan Vertonghen was followed by the ball being fired up toward Tielemans, whose shot took a deflection off Tyrone Mings before going in off the post just 10 minutes in.

England almost hit back immediately, Harry Kane’s header from a corner being brilliantly cleared off the line by Romelu Lukaku.Article continues below But Roberto Martinez’s men doubled their lead shortly after, Mertens curling in a fine free-kick despite the visitors’ protests that Declan Rice had not committed a foul in the build-up.

With Southgate’s words clearly ringing in their ears, England started the second half on top, winning a succession of free-kicks at the edge of the Belgium box before Kane forced a save from Thibaut Courtois with a low drive.

The visitors could not make the most of their chances, however, a theme that continued following the introduction of Jadon Sancho and Dominic Calvert-Lewin from the bench and ensured their evening would end in defeat.

Goal.com

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