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England 1-0 Belgium

2012-06-02 08:05:06

Danny Welbeck netted the only goal of the match as England defeated Belgium 1-0 in their international friendly at Wembley on Saturday afternoon

Welbeck: Fine finish

New manager Roy Hodgson has now won both of his two matches in charge 1-0 following their victory over Norway last time out.

It was The Three Lions’ last match ahead of their Euro 2012 campaign where they have been drawn in a very tough group including hosts Ukraine, Sweden as well as France.

It was a relatively unconvincing performance against the Belgians but the manner of the result will concern Hodgson less than the result - against a side featuring the likes of Eden Hazard, Thomas Vermaelen, Moussa Dembele and Marouane Fellaini.

Welbeck, who was ill on Friday night, showed glimpses of his undoubted talent before being replaced by Wayne Rooney early in the second half with a neat chip after a delightful through ball from Ashley Young in the 36th minute.

Hodgson had made seven changes from the side that beat Norway with Joe Hart starting in goal and Glen Johnson, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Ashley Cole all starting in defence while there was also a place for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Belgium controlled large parts of the game but were unable to convert a number of their half chances as the back-four coped admirably although both sides took time to settle into any real rhythm.

More of a concern for Hodgson was the forced substitution of Gary Cahill in the 19th minute after a blow to his face following a collision with England Hart goalkeeper that required an X-ray.

For the most part, England were compact and well organised although lacking in creativity - this apart from the goal that was finished superbly by Welbeck.

There was little to crow about in the second half as Belgium searched in vain for an equaliser and despite England allowing their opponents much of the ball, they were not able to find a chink in the home side’s defence.

Fellaini and Hazard came as close as anyone to finding a goal before Guillaume Gillet hit the outside of a post on the half-volley from 25 yards.

Hodgson rang the changes as the match wore on with substitute Jermain Defoe also hitting a post with a shot across goal from 12 yards after some good work from Theo Walcott.

Walcott sent Defoe away minutes later but this time he only succeeded in hitting the side netting.

The England set-up will, however, no doubt be buoyed about their second consecutive clean sheet ahead of their Euro opener against France in Donetsk on June 11.