Jude Bellingham scored late on to salvage a 2-2 draw for England in their friendly against Belgium at Wembley.
Ivan Toney equalised from the penalty spot on his first England start after Youri Tielemans had put Belgium ahead following a Jordan Pickford error before the midfielder scored again to make it 2-1 from Romelu Lukaku’s cross.
Here are five things we learned from the game…
Kobbie Mainoo is the real deal
The Manchester United midfielder is only 18 but already looks comfortable stepping up to this level, with a sparkling performance on his full debut.
Mainoo only made his full Premier League debut four months ago, but is now an established member of United’s side and looks set to be an important player for England too. His all-round play was excellent, winning tackles, making runs in tight areas and setting up chances for others. When he left the field after 70 minutes, it was clear another star of international football was emerging.
Jude Bellingham has the Harry Kane magic touch
Embed from Getty ImagesOnce again England struggled to score without Kane, so it was a good job Jude Bellingham has the England captain’s knack of scoring late goals when it matters. His equaliser in the fourth minute of stoppage time was effectively the last kick of a game in which England’s lack of composure in front of goal looked to be costly.
Ivan Toney scored from the penalty spot on his full debut, but made a mess of an earlier chance. Phil Foden and Jarrod Bowen both missed good chances and Bellingham put an easy header wide, just as he had done at the weekend. He also spooned a shot over the bar from 12 yards, but finally found the net when it mattered.
Centre-back is becoming a big problem
Embed from Getty ImagesWith Harry Maguire and Marc Guehi injured, and John Stones going off early against Belgium, Southgate’s options at centre-back are becoming limited. Lewis Dunk had another poor game, making a crucial error to allow Youri Tielemans to score his second goal, and it had been the Brighton man’s mistake that allowed Endrick to score Brazil’s winner on Saturday. He will be fortunate to make the final squad for the European Championship at this rate, but Southgate is not blessed in this position.
Jordan Pickford is no Ederson
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Everton keeper made an absolute howler to gift Belgium their first goal, trying a risky low pass through the opposition midfield when there were easier options available. Amadou Onana cut out Pickford’s pass, leaving Tielemans a simple finish as the England keeper scrambled back across goal. Pickford acknowledged his mistake straightaway and went some way to making amends with a fine save from Jeremy Doku soon afterwards.
Jeremy Doku is a real flier
The Manchester City winger proved a real problem on both flanks, with Ben Chilwell and Joe Gomez struggling against his pace and trickery. Doku has only scored four goals for City this season, but he is clearly a superb creator and huge threat from the wing. He could yet have a big part to play in the title run-in, starting with City against Arsenal at the Etihad this Sunday.
