Some Tottenham fans were reminded of old times as Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld produced a defensive masterclass for Belgium to help them overcome England 2-0 on Sunday.
The Red Devils raced into an early two goal lead within a quarter of an hour and decided to shut shop as England had the majority of possession but failed to create too many clear-cut chances.
Vertonghen and Alderweireld played either side of Jason Denayer in a back three and produced a near-flawless display on the night.
Harry Kane and Jack Grealish did look lively for Gareth Southgate’s side but England’s attackers got no joy out of the Belgium backline for the majority of the encounter.
Meanwhile, Eric Dier, who started in the centre of England’s back three, did not have the best of games, as the home side’s opener came as a result of the Tottenham man giving the ball away.
Some Spurs fans were extremely impressed with how Alderweireld marshalled England’s forwards, while Vertonghen’s performance had some wishing that the club had hung on to the 33-year-old.
That Alderweireld looks decent.
— ᴅᴀᴠɪᴅ ᴇʟʟɪs • (@fullback03) November 15, 2020
Congratulations, Toby! Lovely to see you and SuperJan playing together again.
— Barbara Mahle (@barbaramahle23) November 15, 2020
Alderweireld was largely responsible for Belgium’s clean sheet today. He dealt Grealish excellently, particularly by keeping him out of the box which is where he’s most dangerous, he also put in two crucial blocks against him that would’ve otherwise been goals, well done Toby 👏🏽
— Josh (@thfc_josh_) November 15, 2020
What a fantastic player and a natural leader he was should have been given a two year contract https://t.co/LCDsnhDtIL
— Robert Bridge (@rbridge7) November 16, 2020
Unpopular opinion: We really could’ve used Jan this season, he would’ve played a lot of games.
— Joey🕊 (@JoeyTHFC) November 15, 2020
How good has Toby Alderweireld been though? What a player man!!!
— Aku (@IceBergwijn) November 15, 2020
What a pleasure to see Toby and Jan play together. Great defenders, great guys too
— miles thfc (@miles_thfc) November 15, 2020
Good lord I miss Jan Vertonghen
— Anthony C. Beale (@Bealeionaire) November 15, 2020
Vertonghen been one of the best players on the pitch still don’t understand why we let him go #BELENG
— Luke (@Lukewilby_1) November 15, 2020
This Bert Vertonghen lad looks a bit decent.
— Tangangaroo (@1882N17) November 15, 2020
Have something to tell us about this article?
