Defeat in Belgium shows up Lionesses' lack of depth

Instinctively, England feel like a side with a lot of depth. The problem, though, is that they never seem to act like a team who do.

- ADAM MILLINGTON

A handful of injuries can make the house of cards fall in the way it did yesterday as the sloppy, disjointed Lionesses were beaten by Belgium.

The only real positive came through a moment of individual brilliance from Michelle Agyemang, who produced something spectacular to net her first England goal and ensure they left with a 3-2 defeat which does not hint as much at the weaknesses in their display.

England fans will want to see Agyemang’s goal on repeat. The 19-year-old brought the ball down on her thigh before thrashing a wonderful half-volley into the top corner having been on the pitch for less than a minute.

Aside from the teenager’s wonder goal, there isn’t much Lionesses supporters will want to see again. Their only other came from a penalty, with Beth Mead rifling into the bottom left after being brought down in the box.

The first half was the most worrisome element of England’s display and at its heart was an inability to adapt to losing key players.

There’s no dearth of talent, but there’s a lack of players who are able to play the necessary roles: Nikita Parris is a decent forward, but she’s entirely different to Alessia Russo.

The Lionesses sorely missed the injured Russo in Leuven. With nobody to hold the ball up, Belgium overturned possession and attacked with zeal, their speed and accuracy leaving England dumbfounded.

Counter-attacks were made easier for Belgium by England’s apparent willingness to leave vast spaces free in front and behind their back line. Belgium didn’t need to pick pockets; they just waltzed into them all too often.