Spain to feel force of roaring Lions
The opening match of Group A4 in the UEFA Nations League pits England against Spain, two sides to have experienced very contrasting fortunes at this summer’s World Cup.
England
Football came home in the eyes of many as a result of England exceeding expectations in Russia and even the most cynical England fan cannot begrudge Gareth Southgate’s side a heroes reception at a packed out Wembley on Saturday night.
However, Southgate is shrewd enough to realise that while he has credit in the bank, he and his side need to move on from their achievements of two months ago if they are to take that next step of reaching a final, or, even winning a major competition.
They can mix it with the big boys now
A competitive fixture with Spain provides them with the perfect opportunity to get straight back in the saddle, whilst proving their fourth-place finish was no fluke and that they can mix it with the big boys now.
This really does feel like the beginning of something special for The Three Lions and I expect them to continue riding high on that wave of optimism come the weekend.
Team News
The manager has stayed largely faithful to the group that won the hearts of a nation, careful not to disrupt the club-like atmosphere which played such a crucial part in this group going as far as they did.
One name cast aside though is that of Ashley Young, his age likely to count against him ahead of the European Championships in two years time. His club team-mate, Luke Shaw, revitalized and in-form, comes in and is expected to start for his eighth cap.
Rotten luck with injury continues to deny Adam Lallana a chance to shine on the international stage - he was restored but has already withdrawn – while Gary Cahill and Jamie Vardy have called time on playing for England, at least for now. Raheem Sterling has been ruled out of contention with a back injury.
England XI from:
- Goalkeepers: Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford, Alex McCarthy, Marcus Bettinelli
- Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabian Delph, Joe Gomez, Harry Maguir, Danny Rose , Luke Shaw, John Stones, James Tarkowski, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
- Midfielders: Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek
- Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
Spain
In stark contrast to their opponents, the 2018 World Cup was a forgettable one for Spain, who will be keen to write-off a disastrous campaign and start anew here.
A new man in the managerial hotseat should allow them to do just that but Luis Enrique has work to do to restore Spain to greatness of just a few years ago - this is very much a team in transition and in need of a serious rebuild following the triple retirement of Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Gerard Pique.
Very much a team in transition
No longer able to call upon such experience and world-class ability, Enrique will no doubt need time to shape a Spanish side that lacks the stellar names that served La Furia Roja so so well, for so long.
And it’s fair to say two high-profile matches in quick succession with England and World Cup runners-up Croatia are perhaps not ideal in terms of timing and running the rule over his new group, as well as kicking off a new format.
Team News
The new coach has wasted little time in stamping his authority with Jordi Alba, Koke and Iago Aspas all high-profile omissions from his first squad. This means a first call-up for the likes of Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso, Valencia's José Luís Gayà, Dani Ceballos and another opportunity for Suso to show what he can do at this level.
Alvaro Morata is set to play a key role on the night with Diego Costa a key absentee for the visitors, the Athleti striker citing personal reasons for his withdrawal.
David de Gea remains Spain’s number one. But a repeat of his performance in Russia and a continuation of his form so far for Man. United, could see his once assured spot in the team come under some pressure from Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is eager to add to the solitary cap he has won so far.
Spain XI from:
- Goalkeepers: David De Gea, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Pau Lopez
- Defenders: Raúl Albiol, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Iñigo Martínez, Cesar Azpilicueta, Dani Carvajal, Marcos Alonso, José Luís Gayà.
- Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Sergi Roberto, Saúl Ñiguez, Rodri, Thiago Alcántara, Dani Ceballos, Isco
- Forwards: Marco Asensio, Álvaro Morata, Suso, Rodrigo Moreno
Match Tip
Spain, understrength and in transition, still have the talent in the ranks to test the credentials of an emerging England side and they’ll be out to catch the eye of their new boss who has already shown his ruthless streak by leaving out some big names.
However, it’s England, spurred on by a near capacity crowd with all the momentum and positivity, factors that look set to play a part in seeing them edge their first ever Nations League victory.
Back England DNB at sizeable odds of 20/21 (1.95) while you can, with Ladbrokes (stake returned in case of a draw).
Post bet chat Nick's Tips:
England failed to capitalise on a good start and were eventually made to pay by a superior Spain side. The hosts were unlucky to have a late equaliser chalked off, a goal that would have seen at least a return on the stake.