England vs Belgium: An Epic Rivalry

Eamon Dunphy, The Irish Times

England and Belgium have a long and storied rivalry in football. The two nations have met 26 times since their first encounter in 1895, with England winning 15, Belgium winning 6, and 5 matches ending in a draw.

Some of the most memorable matches between the two sides have taken place in major tournaments. In the 1986 World Cup, England defeated Belgium 3-1 in a thrilling group stage match. Four years later, Belgium got their revenge by beating England 1-0 in the round of 16 at the 1990 World Cup.

The rivalry between England and Belgium is not just confined to the football pitch. The two countries have a long history of political and cultural interaction, and there is often a sense of national pride at stake when they meet on the football field.

In recent years, the rivalry between England and Belgium has been particularly intense. The two sides have met in four consecutive major tournaments, with England winning two (Euro 2012 and the 2018 World Cup) and Belgium winning two (Euro 2016 and the 2022 World Cup).

The next meeting between England and Belgium is scheduled for the 2024 UEFA Nations League. It is sure to be another thrilling chapter in this epic rivalry.

Here are some of the key moments in the England-Belgium rivalry:

1895: England defeats Belgium 9-1 in their first ever meeting.
1986: England defeats Belgium 3-1 in the group stage of the World Cup.
1990: Belgium defeats England 1-0 in the round of 16 of the World Cup.
2012: England defeats Belgium 1-0 in the group stage of the European Championship.
2016: Belgium defeats England 2-1 in the round of 16 of the European Championship.
2018: England defeats Belgium 2-0 in the group stage of the World Cup.
2022: Belgium defeats England 2-1 in the group stage of the World Cup.

The England-Belgium rivalry is one of the most competitive and entertaining in international football. The two sides have a long history of playing close and exciting matches, and they are always worth watching when they meet on the pitch.

Who will win the next meeting between England and Belgium? Only time will tell, but it is sure to be a thrilling match.