England’s Nations League clash with Belgium moved from Brussels to Leuven due to 10pm Covid-19 curfew
ENGLAND’s Nations League clash away to Belgium has been moved to Leuven due to 10pm curfew restrictions in Brussels.
Gareth Southgate’s side head there on November 15 but will now play at the Den Dreef in Leuven instead of the King Baudouin stadium.
The country’s capital has a 10pm-6am curfew amid the coronavirus pandemic, leading to the game being switched 45 minutes away.
A statement confirmed: “The Belgian FA was forced to change the venue for these games as a consequence of the Covid-19 related curfew in Brussels, which starts at 10pm local time.
“With a match kicking off at 8.45pm local time this would be impossible to meet.
“Therefore the FA opted for Leuven which also hosts Belgium's U21 and women's internationals. In Flanders curfew starts at midnight to 5am.”
Roberto Martinez's team will now play all three matches next month in Leuven - the first time they have played outside their capital since 2017.
Belgium take on Switzerland in a friendly on November 11 before the England game.
The Red Devils will then play Denmark in their final Nations League game.
Belgium will be looking for revenge after falling to a 2-1 defeat to the Three Lions at Wembley on October 11.
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Romelu Lukaku gave them the lead but goals from Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount sealed a comeback victory for England.
Southgate’s men were beaten by Denmark in their next game.
England are currently third in their Nations League group on seven points behind Denmark on goal difference with Belgium top with nine.
