England thrash Belgium to head Nations League table

Sarina Wiegman praised her England team after they “kept it simple” in a 5-0 rout of Nations League opponents Belgium at Ashton Gate.

- ANDREW BALDOCK

First-half goals from Lucy Bronze and Millie Bright underlined England’s control of the contest, and it could have been more but Alessia Russo twice hit the post.

Substitute Aggie Beever-Jones scored her maiden goal for the Lionesses after 67 minutes, with no let-up from England in all areas of the pitch, before Jess Park and Keira Walsh – for a first time in 83 international appearances – also found the target.

Belgium had little answer to England’s movement and passing accuracy as the hosts made it seven points from a possible nine in Group A3 ahead of Tuesday’s return fixture in Leuven.

“The things we wanted to do for most of the game we did,” England boss Wiegman said.

“The subs came on and brought new energy. We got the dynamics in possession and we kept it simple and together. It looks very simple – but it’s not easy to do.”

Asked if she felt England were building momentum towards the Euros this summer after impressive victories against Spain and Belgium, Wiegman added: “Of course, winning helps.