Jude Bellingham struck in stoppage time to earn an impressive England a 2-2 Wembley draw with Belgium on Tuesday after a Youri Tielemans double had threatened a smash and grab victory in an entertaining friendly.
Tielemans put the visitors ahead after 11 minutes with Ivan Toney equalising with a penalty soon after, before Tielemans headed Belgium into a 2-1 halftime lead.
It was harsh on England, who looked unrecognisable in approach from the side beaten by Brazil on Saturday, and they fully deserved their last-gasp equaliser.
“I knew the rubbish we would’ve got if we had lost two games on the bounce,” Bellingham said.
“We should be winning with all the chances we’ve made but these are two games that will stand us in good stead. I know people will be negative but we have to take the positives.
“I’m sure the manager will be happy with how we played. You’re never happy with a loss or a draw but we have to be happy with how we played.”
The match between third-ranked England and their fourth-ranked opponents had a completely different feel to Saturday’s flat affair, where England barely mustered a shot against Brazil and the tone was set after 20 seconds when Toney fired over from a Jarrod Bowen cross.
Belgium, sporting a bizarre kit of light blue shirts and brown shorts against England’s charcoal grey, went ahead when a mis-hit clearance by Jordan Pickford went straight to Amadou Onana and then fell for Tielemans who stroked it into the empty net.
England hit back from the penalty spot within six minutes after Jan Vertonghen brought down Toney and the Brentford striker marked his first start with his first goal via his trademark two stride approach.
With his rivals as back up to the injured Harry Kane failing to make much of a case, it was a huge moment for Toney and his hopes of making the Euros squad.
Bowen thought he had also made a case when he nodded in from close range after a 26th-minute corner but the goal was ruled out for offside.
England, however, were playing with an energy and vibrancy that was so painfully absent on Saturday as Bowen and Bellingham both shot over from good positions.
But it was another mistake by centre back Lewis Dunk – who was at fault for Brazil’s winner – that let Belgium in again. Romelu Lukaku took advantage to clip in a sumptuous cross with the outside of the foot that an unmarked Tielemans met with a diving header after 36 minutes.
England continued to create chances in the second half with Toney, Bellingham and Foden going close and the remarkable 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo making an irresistible case for a Euros berth.
Belgium defended well, however, and looked to have done enough until the hosts launched a final attack down the left with substitute James Maddison whipping in a low cross that the hugely impressive Bellingham coolly slotted in.
It sent England’s fans home happy but also meant Belgium extended their unbeaten run to 12 games under coach Domenico Tedesco.
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
