Belgium 3-2 England: Teen sensation Michelle Agyemang scores 41 seconds into debut but Lionesses fall to defeat in Leuven

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Sarina Wiegman mentioned ‘revenge’ before the Lionesses return here, to the place where they had been beaten 3-2 two years ago to hamper their Olympic qualification chances, but it’s fair to say she wouldn’t have had this in mind.

In fact, it was far more evident that it was England’s opponents who had the devil on their shoulder and revenge in their minds tonight, with the Belgians causing irrevocable damage by putting three past the European champions in the opening 30 minutes.

‘We didn’t start well and they (Belgium) were really ruthless on the counter-attack and they had one free-kick which they scored,’ Wiegman said.

‘So within 30 minutes we were 3-0 down, which we absolutely don’t want, of course. Then we had to fight back. We scored two goals but that was not enough and tonight we were just not good enough.’

With the Lionesses looking finally to be building some momentum ahead of their Euros title defence this summer, including beating world champions Spain in February, Wiegman was asked whether this result changes her thinking ahead of the next couple of months.

‘I think it was 30 minutes. But as a team we have to do things better. It’s April now. I’m not concerned. And although this doesn’t feel good, it’s a huge learning for us.'

The Lionesses were stunned by Belgium's three goals in the opening 30 minutes of the game 

Brighton striker Michelle Agyemang scored 41 seconds after making her debut for England

She added: ‘They actually played as we expected. We knew it would be totally different tonight (than they were on Friday) and that’s what we’ll take as learning, which will help us in the future.’

England put five past Belgium at Ashton Gate last Friday in a brutal rout for the visitors, and Leah Williamson and Co travelled to Leuven with a target on their backs.

The England squad had taken a beating in that game, with Lauren James and Alessia Russo following Chloe Kelly out of the door as Wiegman’s injury headaches continued to grow.

And the Belgian ‘Red Flames’ came out hot, stunning the Lionesses through former Manchester City striker Tessa Wullaert in the opening minutes of the game, the Belgium captain shrugging off Niamh Charles and slotting past Hannah Hampton’s outstretched hand.

The coffee had clearly not kicked in yet when Everton’s Justine Vanhaevermaet doubled the hosts’ advantage 10 minutes later, with Wullaert coming again before the half-hour mark to treble the Belgians lead.

An emergency Lioness huddle followed and moments later Beth Mead won a penalty, which she converted.

Wiegman wrung the changes at half-time, bringing off Niamh Charles and Millie Bright for Jess Carter and Esme Morgan. 

With ten minutes left to go 19-year-old Michelle Agyemang, who had received a late call-up following Russo’s withdrawal, came on and scored after having been on the pitch a mere 41 seconds before getting her first goal on debut.

England put five past Belgium at Ashton Gate last Friday in a brutal rout for the visitors, and Leah Williamson and Co travelled to Leuven for tonight's game with a target on their backs 

Sarina Wiegman wrung the changes at half-time but England were unable to turn the tide

Leah Williamson made a pass from deep and Agyemang controlled with her knee before taking it first time – an effortless, superb strike.

The young Brighton striker’s brief cameo a silver lining in an otherwise disappointing evening for Wiegman’s side.

Wiegman added: ‘She came in and did really well. She scored an incredible goal, the composure she has and the calmness. I think we do have to celebrate that a little for her.

‘We haven't done now, because overall we are disappointed, but that was really good.’

Spain have now moved above England to go top of their Nations League group after beating Portugal 7-1 earlier in the evening.