L. Nations – Notes from Belgium-England

Alderweireld (7) wins the Spursico

Harry Kane however struggled, but never was rewarded. Draft in the last gesture as on this shot too crushed on Thibaut Courtois (57th), the Spurs striker was invaluable in several offensive phases to try to deceive the defense of the Red Devils. But the striker also came up against acquaintances in the face: with Jan Vertonghen, his former teammate who left for Benfica this season (who stopped him preciously five minutes from time), and especially Toby Alderweireld. While the W9 commentator failed to pronounce his game name correctly once, Alderweireld made very few mistakes. And yet, the one that earned him a card (51st) was vital to prevent the Three Lions from getting a very dangerous opportunity. For the rest, the 31-year-old defender was reassuring and solid.

Courteous 6
Alderweireld 7
Denayer 6
Vertonghen 7
Meunier 4
T. Hazard 4
Witsel 4
Tielemans 6
De Bruyne 5
Mertens 5
Lukaku 6.

Animal (3) in great difficulty

It’s simple, in the first period, where Belgium made the difference, we did not see him win a single duel. With first this very hazardous recovery which gave, a few seconds later, the opening of the score of Youri Tielemans. But then the Tottenham defender struggled, or tried to juggle Romelu Lukaku. Without ever being able to achieve positive action in front of the Inter Milan striker. And this, even by going to look for him far from his goals as in this action of the 37th minute. So add to that a very risky quality of recovery and all this, despite a quieter second period and finally a duel won against Lukaku in the last quarter of an hour, gives a very dull performance. As Gareth Southgate’s staple, it’s bound to be a stain.