England 2-2 Belgium: Bellingham rescues Three Lions with late leveller
Substitute's last-gasp goal earns draw in final pre-Euro 2024 friendly
England were forced to come from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Belgium in their final warm-up match before Euro 2024.
The Three Lions fell behind to Leandro Trossard's early opener, but Mason Mount levelled before the break.
Michy Batshuayi restored Belgium's lead midway through the second half, but Jude Bellingham popped up with a dramatic equaliser in the dying seconds.
The late goal ensured England avoided a third successive defeat and gave manager Gareth Southgate some much-needed respite ahead of the tournament.
Southgate made a number of changes to his side from the team that lost to Hungary, with Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden among those recalled.
But it was Belgium who made the brighter start and took the lead in the 12th minute when Trossard fired home from close range.
England gradually worked their way into the game and Mount equalised with a fine finish in the 27th minute.
The Three Lions continued to press for a winner, but they were caught out on the break in the 64th minute when Batshuayi tapped home from close range.
Southgate introduced a number of substitutes in an attempt to find an equaliser, and it was Bellingham who eventually came up with the goods.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder's goal sparked wild celebrations from the England players and staff, and it will give them a much-needed boost ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against Croatia on June 13.
Conclusion
England's late leveller against Belgium was a timely reminder of their never-say-die spirit. The Three Lions have now gone four games without a win, but they will take heart from their performance against a strong Belgium side.
Southgate will be pleased with the way his team responded to going behind twice, and he will hope that they can carry that momentum into Euro 2024.
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