Win shows what might be possible – Southgate

GARETH Southgate believes his England players got a glimpse of their potential as they came from behind to beat Belgium in the Nations League.

The Three Lions recovered from a slow start at Wembley to secure a 2-1 victory to move top of Group A2.

Romelu Lukaku gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot after being felled by Eric Dier, after Yannick Carrasco had already had an effort ruled out for offside, but the hosts went in level at the break as Marcus Rashford converted a spotkick of his own.

Mason Mount then hit a deflected winner as England beat a team ranked number one in the world for the first time since 2011.

With captain Harry Kane only fit enough for the bench and Raheem Sterling injured, Southgate fielded a number of his younger stars and feels the experience of beating Belgium will hold them in good stead.

“I think tonight you saw the topcould also be involved, having missed the win due to illness.

“Ben reported to the hotel today,” Southgate confirmed. “He did a training session on his own, we have just got to assess where he is at as he has not been able to train through the week, but he is with the group.”

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez would not be drawn on the penalty decision which saw England draw level, but felt the game could have had another outcome if the video assistant referee had been used.

“I think it would have been a very different game if the VAR was available,” he said. “The modern game has meant a different way in refereeing – even with the offside goal disallowed, it is hard to tell when Carrasco kicks the ball if someone is obscuring Pickford’s vision. I just think the VAR has taken referees to a different level and when it isn’t there it is more difficult for referees.”

Martinez also confirmed he withdrew captain Kevin De Bruyne as a precautionary measure.

“I wouldn’t say it was an injury,” he said of the Manchester City man.