Belgium 3-3 England: Nikita Parris saves sloppy Lionesses in first match after World Cup

Lucy Bronze starred for Phil Neville’s side after picking up the Uefa Women’s Player of the Year

Nikita Parris struck a late penalty to save England against Belgium and salvage a 3-3 draw after a series of errors in their first match since the World Cup.

Phil Neville picked his first side since France with Lucy Bronze awarded Uefa Women’s Player of the Year moments earlier at the Champions League group stage draw in Monaco.

And Bronze was deployed in midfield with Rachel Daly covering at right-back.

The changes appeared to work initially as the Lionesses raced into a 2-0 lead thanks to Jodie Taylor’s chipped effort before Beth Mead drilled in a second from close range.

Belgium received hope though when the Lionesses failed to clear properly from a corner, with the ball ricocheting off the post and crossing the line after a deflection off Carly Telford.

And England were left stunned and behind in the match when Ella van Kerkhoven helped herself to a brace.

But Parris coolly dispatched a penalty after Janice Cayman handled with 15 minutes left to ensure Neville’s side drew the game.

England XI: Carly Telford; Rachel Daly, Steph Houghton, Abbie McManus, Demi Stokes; Keira Walsh, Lucy Bronze; Nikita Parris, Georgia Stanway, Beth Mead; Jodie Taylor.

Substitutes: Fara Williams for Stanway 56, Mary Earps for Telford 62, Beth England for Taylor 76, Lucy Staniforth for Parris 76, Leah Williamson for Walsh 86