Englandvs.Belgium

The two have become accustomed to one another of late, with this being their fifth meeting in six years, but the first friendly since 2012.

England have the clear upper hand in terms of head-to-head, but at major tournaments, Belgium have proven difficult opponents for the Three Lions.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the head-to-head record and previous meetings between the two nations.

Head-to-head record

Previous meetings: 25

England wins: 16

Draws: 4

Belgium wins: 5

The ease of travel meant these two played numerous friendlies against each other before the advent of major international tournaments, as the inter-war period saw England and Belgium face off 10 times, with England winning eight - scoring 42 goals in the process.

Shortly after World War Two, England beat Belgium 5-2, 4-1 and 5-0 in three friendlies, before their first competitive meeting at the 1954 World Cup.

In slightly different rules to what we are used to now, the sides drew 4-4 in Basel after extra time despite it being a group fixture, with Ivor Broadis and Nat Lofthouse both scoring twice for the Three Lions, before an own goal by Jimmy Dickinson allowed Belgium to claim a point.

It would be 26 years until they met again competitively, as the two shared the spoils in a group fixture once more at Euro 80, with Ray Wilkins and Jan Ceulemans scoring inside the opening half-hour in a game marred by crowd violence.

The most well-known meeting between the two from an English perspective is undoubtedly the Round of 16 clash at Italia 90, when David Platt's famous volley past Michael Preud'homme in the 120th minute saw England progress in Bologna.

After just three competitive meetings in history though, the two have now played four since 2018 alone, including two at the World Cup in Russia.

Adnan Januzaj scored a spectacular winner for Belgium in a dead rubber during the group stage, which saw them top the group ahead of England in a group also containing Tunisia and Panama.

The Red Devils would then go on to beat England to the bronze medal in the third-place playoff, thanks to goals from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard in St Petersburg.

England and Belgium would then be drawn together again in the UEFA Nations League in 2020, with both games being played behind closed doors amidst the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Belgium won the group despite losing 2-1 at Wembley thanks to Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount goals, as strikes from Youri Tielemans and Dries Mertens sealed a 2-0 victory in Leuven to confirm top spot for Roberto Martinez's side.

The Red Devils are still yet to win on English soil in seven attempts though, giving the current crop of players an opportunity to create history on Tuesday.

Last 20 meetings

Nov 15, 2020: Belgium 2-0 England (UEFA Nations League League A)

Oct 11, 2020: England 2-1 Belgium (UEFA Nations League League A)

Jul 14, 2018: Belgium 2-0 England (World Cup Third-place Match)

Jun 28, 2018: England 0-1 Belgium (World Cup Group Stage)

Jun 02, 2012: England 1-0 Belgium (International Friendly)

Oct 10, 1999: England 2-1 Belgium (International Friendly)

May 29, 1998: Belgium 0-0 England (King Hassan II Cup)

Jun 27, 1990: England 1-0 Belgium (World Cup Round of 16)

Jun 12, 1980: Belgium 1-1 England (European Championship Group Stage)

Feb 25, 1970: Belgium 1-3 England (International Friendly)

Oct 21, 1964: England 2-2 Belgium (International Friendly)

Jun 17, 1954: England 4-4 Belgium (World Cup Group Stage)

Nov 26, 1952: England 5-0 Belgium (International Friendly)

May 18, 1950: Belgium 1-4 England (International Friendly)

Sep 21, 1947: Belgium 2-5 England (International Friendly)

May 09, 1936: Belgium 3-2 England (International Friendly)

May 16, 1931: Belgium 1-4 England (International Friendly)

May 11, 1929: Belgium 1-5 England (International Friendly)

May 19, 1928: Belgium 1-3 England (International Friendly)

May 11, 1927: Belgium 1-9 England (International Friendly)

Last 10 friendly meetings

Jun 02, 2012: England 1-0 Belgium (International Friendly)

Oct 10, 1999: England 2-1 Belgium (International Friendly)

Feb 25, 1970: Belgium 1-3 England (International Friendly)

Oct 21, 1964: England 2-2 Belgium (International Friendly)

Nov 26, 1952: England 5-0 Belgium (International Friendly)

May 18, 1950: Belgium 1-4 England (International Friendly)

Sep 21, 1947: Belgium 2-5 England (International Friendly)

May 09, 1936: Belgium 3-2 England (International Friendly)

May 16, 1931: Belgium 1-4 England (International Friendly)

May 11, 1929: Belgium 1-5 England (International Friendly)

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