Belgium know they will need an improvement in form if they are to beat France on Monday, even after starting their Nations League campaign with a 3-1 win over Israel on Friday.

Captain Kevin de Bruyne scored twice and Youri Tielemans got the other as they dominated but were unable to register an emphatic score.

A much tougher test lies ahead in Lyon on Monday against their neighbours, even if France’s Nations League campaign began with a surprise 3-1 defeat in Paris to Italy on Friday.

"We started well and scored straight away, but after the goal we lost some of our self-confidence", said coach Domenico Tedesco, who has been under pressure after Belgium made a disappointing round-of-16 exit at the European Championship in July.

"Fortunately, we were sharper after the break, showed courage with vertical football and high pressure, in order to create quite a few chances again. That is a positive sign."

De Bruyne, who opened the scoring in the 21st minute and added a second-half penalty, had the same analysis after the match played behind closed doors in Hungary due to security fears.

"The first half was difficult as we had a hard time dealing with their defensive system. They played 5-4-1 and man-to-man on me. We didn't find the right combinations," he explained.

"In the second half we were more patient and we did find the right players in the right places. That created more opportunities."

"It was a match with two faces," added Youri Tielemans, whose goal right after half-time put Belgium 2-1 ahead. "We had to focus on ourselves before half-time. We conceded an unfortunate equaliser, but after the 2-1 we were able to play our own game.

"That I could score again myself? I have to keep that up now, right? I'm happy that I can be important again. Hopefully again on Monday. It's always a tough match against France," he said.

Reuters