UEFA Nations League team news and prediction: Belgium vs England
Belgium will be out for revenge when they face England on home turf tonight. The Red Devils have lost only one of their last 16 matches, that coming in a 2-1 loss at Wembley last month, as Belgium seek to maintain their dominance in Group 2.
England will be buoyed by a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland last week as they seek to quickly move from their 1-0 home loss at the hands of Denmark. Defeat to the Danish side is England's only loss in their last nine.
In the build up to this tonight's League A game, we have all your need-to-know matchday information in one place, including probable XIs, team news and where you can watch the match.
When is kick off?
Sunday 15th November, 19:45 GMT
Where is the match?
King Power Stadion At Den Dreef, Leuven (Belgium)
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Premier League / Sky Sports Main Event
2020/21 So Far
Belgium currently top Group 2 having earned nine points from 12 available, with their only blip on their record a 2-1 loss at Wembley to England last month. They opened their Group 2 campaign with a 2-0 win in Denmark before romping to a 5-0 victory over Iceland. Roberto Martinez oversaw a 2-1 win over Iceland to follow up their defeat to England in October.
England need to, at the very least, avoid defeat in Belgium tonight if they are to finish first in Group 2. The Three Lions defeated Iceland and Belgium, albeit by one goal, but were unable to overcome Denmark in their two matches, drawing 0-0 in September before their 1-0 loss to the Danish Dynamite at Wembley to leave them on seven points, two behind Belgium.
Team News
Belgium are without captain Eden Hazard and goalkeeper Thomas Kaminski after both recently tested positive for COVID-19. Alexis Saelemaekers, Leandro Trossard and Hendrik van Crombrugge are all injured for Roberto Martinez's side. Thibaut Courtois is set to make his first UEFA Nations League appearance of the season tonight.
In the England camp, Reece James and Harry Maguire are suspended after their respective red cards against Denmark last month and with Conor Coady ruled out due to COVID-19 protocals, Tyrone Mings or Michael Keane will join Eric Dier and Kyle Walker at the back. Trent Alexander-Arnold, James Ward-Prowse, Joe Gomez and Marcus Rashford are all sidelined, while Raheem Sterling is a doubt for the Three Lions. In a boost for Gareth Southgate, Ben Chilwell is in line to make his first UEFA Nations League start this season.
Probable XIs
Belgium (3421) - Courtois; Alderweireld, Denayer, Boyata; Meunier, Witsel, Tielemans, Hazard; De Bruyne, Mertens; Lukaku
England (343) - Pickford; Walker, Dier, Mings; Trippier, Rice, Henderson, Chilwell; Mount, Kane, Sterling
Key Battle: Kevin De Bruyne vs Raheem Sterling
In a key clash in the final third, Manchester City teammates Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling will look to fire their respective nations to victory tonight. De Bruyne has been in impressive form of late, providing six assists in his last four Manchester City outings, though he did miss from the spot in their recent 1-1 draw with Liverpool. With two assists from two UEFA Nations League outings to his name, De Bruyne has the capability to pull the strings for Belgium as they look to end England's hopes of international glory.
Gareth Southgate is hoping to have Sterling fit to start tonight. The City forward sustained a knock in training after Thursday's 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland. Sterling played no part in the victory in order to be well-rested to start in Belgium, but there are question marks over his availability. The 25-year-old scored the decisive goal to kick off England's UEFA Nations League with a win in Iceland in September and, with Marcus Rashford out, there is pressure on Sterling to add to his 2020/21 record tonight.
Prediction: Belgium 2-1 England