England equalizes in the last seconds, but Devils still gain confidence thanks to reborn Tielemans and incomparable Lukaku

Not quite the expected eleven for the Red Devils. Instead of putting Trossard on ‘the ten’, Domenico Tedesco again opted for Youri Tielemans. Trossard was allowed to take a seat on the flank and therefore no Lukebakio. At the back was the long-awaited Debast-Vertonghen duo.

After Ireland it could have been a bit more and the Belgians understood that well. Vertonghen quickly showed Jude Bellingham that he is not to be trifled with. And with the duo Onana-Mangala in midfield you have quite a wall.

Tielemans, chillingly calm

Not that the pace was killer, but after about ten minutes the Devils even took the lead. Pickford, who is not the best goalkeeper in the world, immediately kicked the ball into Onana’s feet.

He immediately gave in to Tielemans and, with chilling calm, he chose the corner where Pickford was no longer standing. It looked good, but five minutes later Vertonghen – he had the ball first – tapped Toney in the box and the ball was placed on the spot. Toney also chose the right corner: 1-1.

England scored a second time, with Debast being defeated in the air by Dunk – what’s in a name – and Bowen was able to score from close range. Fortunately, the VAR did its job well this time and they saw it was offside.

Lukaku, otherworldly beauty

England then looked like a well-oiled whole for ten minutes for a team with many absentees. Led by Bellingham and 18-year-old Mainoo, they combined it to be a delight. Theate, Vertonghen, Mangala and Onana almost shouted for their mother. But then there’s Big Rom…

Dunk against Lukaku, that’s an uneven battle in the duels. Using force, the number 10 pushed the defender off the ball, but what he then shook out of his left shoe… it was of otherworldly beauty. A cross on the outside left between keeper and defenders to allow Tielemans to score his second in a diving flight. Oh yes, Tielemans had launched Lukaku himself from the halfway line.

There were people from the association next to us: “Happy for Youri,” was the immediate response. Tielemans has had to swallow a lot of criticism lately and his performances have not always been great. But give him freedom and an attacking role and you will get more of this.

It will have to happen on the counter

However, the man was Lukaku. The one and only leader of this generation. And he doesn’t even need a band for that. Trossard once told him to run deep when he asked for the ball in his feet. Trossard will not do that a second time.

In terms of football, England was undeniably better. Bellingham, that’s De Bruyne’s class in terms of distribution. But on the counter… If we want to have a chance against top countries, it will have to happen that way. Tielemans – just very strong – launched a battle for Doku’s pendulum and there was danger every time.

Who also scored points? Matz Sels! The goalkeeper smelled his opportunity and took it. With a number of crucial saves, he suddenly established himself as the man with the best chance of becoming ‘number 1’ at the European Championship. Although Belgium also escaped a few times due to failed finishing by Bowen, Bellingham and Foden.

In the final phase it happened anyway. The defense couldn’t clear the ball and Bellingham got the ball in his feet one last time in the box. He was able to pick the corner and then you know… 2-2, but still a hopeful performance.