Tuesday 15th November 2016
Kickoff: 2000hrs England v Spain
Football – International – Friendly
With the serious business of qualifying out the way now until June, the European nations will round of their international years with a series of friendly games this week. One of the most interesting takes place at Wembley where England entertain Spain. 2016 has not been as successful as either team would have hoped with disappointing showings at the summer’s European Championships in France. The two have also had a change of manager since that tournament and will be looking to use this game as they build towards the 2018 World Cup.
England were victorious against arch rivals Scotland on Friday, running out 3-0 winners in what was pretty much a routine encounter aside from a couple of lapse moments in defence. Goals from Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill secured the three points and means that Gareth Southgate has now taken seven points from a possible nine. The question now is whether or not he will be around when they are due to play Lithuania in June. A decision will be made by the FA between this game and the next friendly match against Germany towards the end of March, but you have to wonder if there is a more suitable candidate at this point in team and anymore uncertainty will suit nobody. England are in a very healthy position now in Group F with a two point lead over second place Slovenia who they will face in London next year. The win over Scotland would have went some way to building more confidence and optimism after the disaster of the Euro’s, but there will remain some concern about their ability to compete against the top teams – of which Spain are – particularly in defence where a better team would have punished Southgate’s men on Friday.
Vincent Del Bosque’s eight year reign as Spain manager finally came to an end this summer after the most successful spell in the football history of that nation. Two European Championship’s and their first ever World Cup triumph was unprecedented success for any team but Spain done it with a real style, too, with Del Bosque overseeing two of those. The last couple of major tournaments have not been as successful, however, with a group stage exit in Brazil last 16 elimination in France. Del Bosque remained loyal to the Barcelona and Real Madrid stalwarts to the end and that could well have been his undoing but he left a hero despite those more recent disappointments. His replacement is one the establishment know well – Julen Lopetegui. He was in charge of the U19, U20 and U21’s before taking his first job in senior football with Porto. His time in Portugal was not as successful as he would have hoped and left the club earlier this calendar year. Because of how disappointing that 18 month period was, few expected him to be in the running to replace Del Bosque but he was the unanimous choice for the Spanish football federation who firmly believe in the system that develops their coach.
The big news ahead of this game is Southgate’s decision to drop Wayne Rooney who started and captained the team against Scotland on Friday. Much has been made of the form of Rooney for both club and country and his time appears to be running out, certainly as a guaranteed starter, where England are concerned. He never started the previous qualifier against Slovenia and this latest dropping is further indication that the national team may be looking ahead to the next major tournament and ensuring that some of the fresher faces in the squad have the relevant experience ahead of what is likely to be automatic qualification for Russia. There are plenty of contenders for the number 10 spot that Rooney has filled more often than not, and games against opposition the level of Spain are all part of that learning curve – even if it is a friendly match.
Spain have been drawn against old rivals Italy in their World Cup qualifying group and both sit on the same number of points after their first four games. Italy were, of course, the team responsible for knocking Spain out of the European Championships in June and they will likely battle it out for the automatic qualification spot in Group G. Spain have brushed aside Lichtenstein, Albania and Macedonia with consummate ease thus far, and shared the spoils away to Italy. It’s looking increasingly likely that the return game in Spain in 2017 will prove decisive as to who tops the group and who has to face what could potentially be a difficult playoff tie. Spain have looked good thus far but they too are a team in transition and will be looking forward to the test that England away presents.
England v Spain Betting Tips
Jordan Henderson will captain the England side who have been blighted with a number of injuries in the build up to this game. With such few options available, Southgate is likely to stick mainly to the team who got the vital win over Scotland, with everybody likely to get some game time. Spain have an embarrassment of riches but having only been in the job for a matter of months himself, Lopetegui is still trying to find his best team and will use this game as something of an experiment, or at least test out some of the players who may not have the same experience as the core of the team.
These two last met exactly a year ago when Spain proved to be far too good for England who were just coming off the back of a 100% record in qualification for the European Championships, and it was a sign that England had a bit to go despite their imperious form against lesser opposition. It’s fair to say that they come into this game in less of a position of strength but will be hoping the home advantage brings them closer to the Spanish this time around. The options available to Spain may just give them the edge and they look decent value to continue their recent good form by taking advantage of England’s suspect centre of defence.
Spain 13/8 @ Bet365
