ENGLAND fans are convinced that the Lionesses were hard done by – and have branded the Dutch’s 4-0 victory over Belgium a FIX.
Eye-brows were raised after Belgium replaced their goalkeeper in the 93rd minute, before the Netherlands scored their crucial fourth goal.
England players Lauren James, Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway and Lucy Bronze huddled to await news from HollandRex
But six goals were not enough for the Lionesses’ to top the groupRex
Devastated players, including Kiera Walsh and Esme Morgan, thanked fans for their supportRex
England were three goals behind the Dutch on goal difference and had to better that tally against Scotland to progress to the Nations League Finals.
And despite thumping Scotland 6-0 in their final group match – it was not enough to top the table.
The Netherlands scored two injury-time goals to deny them in a nail-biting finish.
They led Scotland 5-0 when Damaris Eggurola put the Dutch 3-0 up in 91st minute, and back top of the group.
With just seconds remaining in Hampton Park, Lucy Bronze headed in a sixth goal that saw the countries switch places again.
But in the final kick of the game, Egurrola’s well-placed header sent the Dutch back to the top.
And some observers were quick to pour cold water on Holland’s triumph.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Belgium replaced keeper Nicky Evrard for Diede Lemey, who plays for Dutch league side Fortuna Sittard.
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GettyIt was euphoria for the Netherlands in the final moments[/caption]
Belgium’s goalkeeper Diede Lemey was brought on in stoppage timeRex
England fans then showered social media with a mixture of conspiracy theories.
One fan wrote: “Unbelievable fixing. Belgium substitute their goalkeeper and Netherlands score the winner.”
Another person commented: “I wonder why Belgium changed goalkeeper.”
A third wrote: “Heartbreaking for England. The other game was a complete fix.”
A fourth said: “Tell me this wasn’t Belgium just letting them have a fourth by subbing their keeper.”
Team GB’s women’s team could only reach Paris 2024 if nominated country England made it to the Nations League final.
But even more bizarrely, Scotland themselves were accused of lying down to England.
That’s because the home nations would have joined together to play for Team GB had they made the Olympics.