Belgium 2-0 England: Player ratings as Jack Grealish stands out on competitive debut

England’s hopes of reaching the Nations League finals for the second successive time were ended on Sunday night as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Belgium.

Gareth Southgate’s side needed at least a draw to keep them in with a chance of qualification but goals inside the first 24 minuets from Youri Tielemans and Dries Mertens secured the world’s top ranked side all three points.

The loss in Leuven, which was the Three Lions’ second in a row in the Nations League following a 1-0 defeat against Denmark in October, leaves England third in group A2 with just one match remaining.

Despite the defeat there were some performances that would’ve pleased Southgate.

Here’s our England player ratings from the defeat.

GK: Jordan Pickford

Under-pressure for his place but despite getting a hand to Tielemans’ opener could not be faulted for the goal. Had no chance with Mertens’ free-kick soon after. Made a decent stop from Lukaku in the second half – 5.5

DF: Kyle Walker

Although he was occasionally sloppy in possession, was always looking to play forward and – as the only starter with any real pace – made some good bursts forward – 5.5

DF: Eric Dier

Found it tough once again against Romelu Lukaku, who used his strength well to hold the ball up. Also miss-placed a pass which led to the opening goal – 5

DF: Tyrone Mings

Got caught out of possession a couple of times in the first half but often recovered well. Could’ve brought the ball out on more occasions but is used to playing in a four rather than a three – 5.5

WB: Kieran Trippier 

Another credible performance for his 69 minutes on the field. Was effective in the first half as he got down the flank, playing some nice passes and crosses into the box – notably the one to Grealish whose goal-bound shot was blocked – 6.5

WB: Ben Chilwell 

Had a slow start but was starting to get into the game more when he was struck down with an injury on 38 minutes – 5

MF: Declan Rice

Seems to be growing into this position after every game for England. Was unfortunate in giving away the free-kick for the second goal as won the ball but maybe a lesson he needs to learn in international football. Made some decent interceptions but passing was a mixed bag – 6.5

MF: Jordan Henderson

Was trying to get on the ball and make a difference but didn’t impact the game as he would’ve liked. Gave away the ball a couple of times when looking to play forward as England struggled for creativity in the middle of the park. Taken off at half time – 5.5

FW: Mason Mount

Some nice touches – like the one into Kane for a shot in the second half -but was the quietest of the front-starters. Wasted a free-kick from a good shooting position and was caught on his heels a bit in the lead up to Belgian’s opener. Replaced on 69 minutes – 5.5

FW: Jack Grealish

A very good first competitive start for his country. Was always looking to make things happen and wasn’t scared to roam inside to link up with Kane. Had an effort blocked in the first half and a shot over in the second. Showed some superb touches and won a lot of free kicks by running at the Belgians throughout. Our England Man of the Match – 8.5

ST: Harry Kane

One again led the line very well. Produced some nice touches to link up with his teammates and held the ball up when needed. Had a few shots and came close to scoring in the first half when his header was well cleared off the line by Lukaku. England’s skipper is a class act and looked comfortable playing up against the two centre-backs – 8

SUBS

Bukayo Saka

Came on for the injured Chilwell. Wasn’t afraid to get on the ball and managed to push forward more in the second half. Played a cross into Kane which nearly led to a goal. Another small step in his rapid development – 6

Harry Winks 

You know what you’re going to get from the Spurs man. Tidy in possession but didn’t really standout – 5.5

Jadon Sancho 

Offered pace on the right when he came on but didn’t quite have the impact Southgate would’ve hoped. Linked up a couple of times with Walker but didn’t really get a chance to run at the defence. Had an opportunity to strike 5 minutes from time but wasted it – 5

Dominic Calvert-Lewin 

Had to drop deep to pick up the ball the few times he did. Didn’t get a chance he would’ve been craving in front of goal – 5