England are looking to restore some pride after Saturday's home defeat by Brazil when they host Belgium in a friendly at Wembley on Tuesday (19:45).
The teams booked their tickets for Euro 2024 by topping their qualifying groups with identical records of six wins and two draws, but they will be missing some of their biggest stars for this contest.
England were without Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka for their weekend defeat, while Belgium are missing their star man Kevin De Bruyne.
- The Draw
- 1-1 correct score
- Ivan Toney first goalscorer
Red Devils Pose Another Test
Losing a March friendly to a late goal when missing several of your top players is not going to have a great effect on England's chances of success at Euro 2024, but an improved showing against Belgium would be welcomed by manager Gareth Southgate to lift spirits.
England's 1-0 loss to Brazil came in an uninspiring affair that didn't boast the quality that would be expected from a game between those nations, but a disjointed performance was a likely outcome given the selection issues and Tuesday's game may bring more of the same.
With Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire joining Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka on the absentee list, England should at least be targeting a more lively display.
Ivan Toney is set to get his chance up front after Ollie Watkins replaced Kane against Brazil and Southgate may have some reinforcements on hand after Cole Palmer and Jordan Henderson returned to training.
It's more than a decade since England lost back-to-back home friendlies and even if they can't dispose of a solid Belgian outfit, they should be up to forcing a draw.
Belgium are also missing some big-hitters, with De Bruyne saving himself for Manchester City's Premier League run-in and, while Romelu Lukaku has been cleared to return, he is unlikely to play the whole match.
The Red Devils played out a goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland on Saturday but they remain unbeaten since their World Cup defeat by Morocco in November 2022.
That record almost went as they conceded a first-half penalty, but Matz Sels saved Evan Ferguson's attempt.
It should be another tight game for both teams and a draw looks a likely outcome.
Goals Unlikely To Flow
Both these teams should have enough about them to get on the scoresheet at Wembley after drawing a blank at the weekend, but it may pay not to expect them to find the net more than once each and a 1-1 correct-score bet appeals most.
If not for the goal from teenage Brazil substitute Endrick with 10 minutes remaining on Saturday, both teams would have remained unbeaten since the 2022 World Cup and there's a good chance they can both escape this fixture without suffering a loss or conceding more than one goal.
England have not conceded more than a single goal in any of their 11 games since their 2-1 defeat by France in Qatar but they have scored in 10 of those matches.
Belgium have conceded only one goal in total in their last four games, but have scored no more than once in three of those contests.
Toney To Take His Chance
Ivan Toney made his first England appearance as a substitute in the 2-0 home win over Ukraine last March and can make the most of his opportunity against Belgium.
Toney was not picked for the World Cup squad and will be determined to showcase his talent as he is in line to make his first start for the Three Lions.
The Northampton-born striker has scored four Premier League goals for Brentford since returning to action in January, including strikes against Tottenham and Liverpool, and can lift the mood by opening the scoring against Belgium.
