England vs Belgium LIVE: result and reaction as Lauren Hemp early goal gives Lionesses win in Nations League

Here’s the match report from Adam Millington at the King Power Stadium:

It wasn’t particularly pretty but England for the most part achieved what they set out to do. Victory over Belgium was at least some form of response to September’s defeat by the Netherlands, the Lionesses thankfully laid to rest their run of five games without a clean sheet, and three points will of course be advantageous if they are to realise their Nations League ambitions.

Last time out they were beaten in Utrecht – at least on this occasion they managed to avoid the same fate and achieve the win despite yet another somewhat lacklustre display.

It all started as if England were going to make a convincing statement and Sarina Wiegman would immediately be vindicated for her decision to revert to a tried-and-tested back four. Defeat by the Netherlands was difficult, and accepting the issues with the experimental formation undeniably brought about some progression.

Millie Bright told ITV Sport: “We go out every single game to win every single game but also perform as well.

“To get the clean sheet – I thought we were really good defensively.

“I think although it was only 1-0 the scoreline didn’t reflect the game, we had so many chances.”

On whether England should have been more clinical: “Definitely, I think if you look back on that game there were so many chances and it was only 1-0.

“But really really happy with the performance on the back of a few games that we weren’t quite happy with.”

Niamh Charles on her first start in year to ITV: “It was a really good night.

“I really enjoyed it and I feel quite at home there and I really enjoyed playing.

“In a game like this it’s really nice to get forward as well.”

Wiegman on Kirby’s return: “Of course, I was very happy to see her back with her club she did well. She is a different player gives us something different in certain situations.”

Wiegman said when asked about what she would want to develop going forward: “We really said be secure on the ball, of course we want to go forward, the higher up on the pitch we want to take more risks but the game is improving, you see Belgium, they have tight spaces.

“The decision-making has to be right.”

Sarina Wiegman to ITV: “I think we are very happy with the win, especially after the last game we lost.

“We hoped to score more than we did tonight to make it a little bit easier.”

She added: “I think we started the game really well with a lot of pace, then it dropped a little bit.

“It’s just a lot easier when we score, but how we are on the pitch, how we want to play, we are pleased with that.

FT: Well it wasn’t the most clinical performance or one necessarily for the highlights reel, but it was an important victory for England.

They were by far the better team, and while they might be a bit disappointed they could not add to their early lead and really put the game to bed, it is an important three points.

90+2’ England are looking like they’ll just see this one out here to bounce back from defeat to the Netherlands and go level with the Dutch at the top of the group, although behind them on head to head record.

90+1’ Jess Park has tried to walk the ball into the back of the net there!

She took on so many players but took it behind the touchline as she ran out of space, it was an insight into just what the young player is capable of.

90’ Earps has to fall on the ball but it’s not really a proper chance from Belgium.

The England goalkeeper will not let her side rest though and urges them back up the field as they continue to look for the elusive second goal.