Celtic’s Arne Engels started and played 90 minutes as Belgium lost 1-0 to Israel in the UEFA Nations League last night.

It was a bitter defeat for Domenico Tedesco’s side, who, despite dominating the ball and having 12 shots on goal, fell to a narrow defeat.

Substitute Yarden Shua won it for the Israelis with four minutes to go, condemning Belgium to their third consecutive defeat. The Red Devils have now won just two games in their last 10, adding to their misery.

Belgium
Soccer Football – International Friendly – Ireland v Belgium – Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland – March 23, 2024 Belgium’s Timothy Castagne in action with Ireland’s Sammie Szmodics REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne

Due to last night’s loss, they finished third in their Nations League A group and will now face a play-off against a group runner-up from a League B team to avoid relegation. The two-legged tie will take place next March.

For Engels, while his national side lost back-to-back games during the latest international break, he established himself in the team and started both matches.

He particularly and somewhat impressively caught the eye against the Italians on Thursday evening, and the Belgian press praised him post-match.

Now, the youngster turns his attention back to Celtic ahead of what manager Brendan Rodgers has described as an ‘ultramarathon’ of fixtures between now and next March. Things kick off with a trip to Tynecastle on Saturday night, where three points are essential as the Hoops return to action.

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