Former Scotland international Craig Burley has not held back in his criticism of England’s recent performances, particularly in their 2-2 draw against Belgium on Tuesday. The Three Lions needed a stoppage-time goal from Jude Bellingham to salvage a draw after Youri Tielemans had put Belgium ahead with a brace.
England’s display against Belgium was a far cry from their lacklustre showing against Brazil, where they struggled to make an impact. The team’s energy and vibrancy in the match against Belgium highlighted their potential, but defensive concerns arose when John Stones picked up an adductor injury and had to be replaced by Joe Gomez.
One bright spot for England was Ivan Toney, who scored his first international goal from a penalty kick in his first start for the national team. Toney’s performance has earned him a strong case for inclusion in the Euros squad as England look to bolster their attacking options.
Despite creating several chances, England found it difficult to convert until Bellingham’s late heroics. The draw extended Belgium’s unbeaten run under coach Domenico Tedesco to 12 games, showcasing the team’s resilience and consistency on the international stage.
Burley’s comments serve as a reminder for England to maintain their high standards and address any defensive weaknesses as they prepare for upcoming challenges. The team will need to build on their positive aspects from the match against Belgium while learning from their mistakes to ensure success in future encounters.
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