England failed to build on the momentum of reaching the World Cup semi-finals to begin their Nations League campaign as Spain came from behind to win 2-1 at Wembley in Luis Enrique’s first game in charge.
Gareth Southgate couldn’t have asked for a better start in England’s first game since returning from Russia as Marcus Rashford swept the hosts into an early lead.
But Spain punctured the feel-good factor surrounding the Three Lions by hitting back through Saul Niguez and Rodrigo before half-time.
Here, we focus on the England manager’s performance.
KEY STATS
Goals – 1
Shots – 9
Possession – 45%
Accurate Passes – 415
Dribbles – 5
30-SECOND REPORT
Southgate went with the 3-1-4-2 formation that served England well in the summer. Joe Gomez replaced Kyle Walker as the third centre-back, while Luke Shaw made a long-overdue return as left wingback, and Marcus Rashford partnered Harry Kane up front.
England acquitted themselves well, taking an early lead, with Manchester United duo Shaw and Rashford combining superbly. However, they were caught out twice by Spain, who had the lead by half-time. England passed up several chances to equalise, with Rashford particularly guilty.
TACTICAL TALKING POINT
Long diagonals
With Spain defending narrowly, England constantly targeted the space on either flank. The Three Lions defenders and midfielders kept pinging long diagonals to find their wingbacks, with Harry Maguire and John Stones in particular showing their prowess at picking out a colleague.
Kieran Trippier, Shaw and Danny Rose all profited, with Shaw providing the assist for England’s goal off a flowing move. However, Spain defended their centre well, shackling England’s strikers, which negated England’s width.
Marcus Rashford scored one but could have had a match-winning hat-trick.
VERDICT
Southgate ditched the waistcoat that had become an inadvertent fashion statement over the summer, but little else had changed about the England manager and his side over the last couple of months.
With better finishing, the conversation would have been about how England were truly resurgent, backing up their World Cup performance with a win over a traditional power.
Instead, they were left to rue familiar failings in defence and attack as they began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a loss.
RATING – 7/10