England's Slow Start Costly in Shock Defeat by Belgium

European champions England slumped to a shock 3-2 away loss at Belgium in the Women's Nations League on April 8, as France qualified for the last four of the tournament with a 2-0 win in Norway and Spain hammered Portugal to top Group A3.

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The four group winners go through to the semi-finals and world champions Spain now lead with nine points after a 7-1 win over third-placed Portugal, with England second on seven and Belgium bottom despite earning their first points of the campaign.

In Vigo, world champions Spain started fast as Salma Paralluelo opened the scoring on two minutes before Aitana Bonmati (two), Alexia Putellas (two), Mariona Caldentey and Esther Gonzalez joined her on the score sheet. Pina Fonseca scored a consolation for the visitors with 19 minutes remaining.

"We have seen a lot of positive things," said Spain coach Montse Tome.

"I would highlight the goalscoring ability, with fewer shots we managed to score a lot of goals. The team's collective play was very good and this materialised in goals."