England put aside any doubts of their ability to deliver in big games as they trounced Belgium by a score of 6-1 in their final Arnold Clark Cup 2023 game.

England were utterly dominant throughout and were good value for their big win over the Belgian Red Flames. Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson and Lucy Bronze were among the goalscorers for the Three Lionesses.

England started the match strong, putting Belgium under pressure with intense pressing. Lauren James broke down the right hand side, charging into the box before squaring the ball to Chloe Kelly who bundled it home. Immediately, it looked to be a long night for the Belgians.

Captain Leah Williamson made it 2-0 with a close range header before the break, with Kelly getting her second of the game (and England’s third) after Belgium ‘keeper Nicky Evrard spilled a shot from Ella Toone.

England could have left it there – Belgium were offering little in the way of a threat – but the Lionesses were relentless. A ball played in by Georgia Stanway was met by the boot of Julie Biesmans – unfortunately for the Belgian, she turned it into her own net.

England added a fifth thanks to Lucy Bronze, who poked home a knockdown from Rachel Daly after a Lauren Hemp free kick. Belgium scored a consolation goal thanks to an impressive curling effort from Elena Dhont, but England weren’t about to let them have the last laugh.

A powerful drive unleashed by Williamson from the edge of the box made it 6-1, completing the rout and putting a bow on England’s excellent Arnold Clark Cup campaign.