While the opening game may have ended in a disappointing 0-0 draw between France and Germany, hopes will be high for both teams playing on Saturday. For Spain, it’s a chance to redeem themselves after a disappointing W. Cup, while England will be expected to continue their good run of pride-restoring form.
Diego Costa won’t be playing for Spain due to injury, and Barca’s Gerard Pique has retired from International football, so neither will be present at Wembley. But Marcos Alonso’s form at Chelsea so far this year means that he’ll be in the starting line-up, and with rumours of a transfer to Real Madrid still hanging over him, both English and Spanish eyes will be watching with interest.
As for England, there’s little to complain about, especially with the much-maligned Raheem Sterling out of the team due to injury. Liverpool’s Adam Lallana is also out of the squad, so Marcus Rashford will relish the opportunity to start for the team, if it’s offered to him. Harry Kane remains as captain, and it’s understood that Gareth Southgate will keep to his 3-5-2 formation. The big question is whether he’ll be wearing a waistcoat or has something from his new Winter collection in mind.
England vs. Spain Predictions
Despite being more successful than Spain in Russia, England showed that they were quite limited in what they can do. They didn’t score many goals from open play, instead having to rely on set-pieces. This might actually benefit them against Spain, who are quite short compared to the English team. However, Spain are a superior footballing nation and have greater technical ability, therefore I’m backing them to get a win.
England vs. Spain Betting Tips
Head to Head
- Saturday will be the 26th international meeting between England and Spain, and it is the Three Lions that lead the head-to-head 13 wins to nine.
- Only three of their previous 25 matches have finished level, but as already mentioned, their last clash brought a 2-2 draw at Wembley in November 2016.
- Spain have won four of the last six meetings between the two teams, but only one of their last 10 match-ups has been a competitive fixture.
England Team News
Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana both pulled out of the squad through injury, while Ashley Young was left out by Gareth Southgate.
Probable England XI: Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Luke Shaw, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford
Spain Team News
Diego Costa has withdrawn from the Spain squad for personal reasons, while Gerard Pique, Andres Iniesta and David Silva all retired after Russia. Marcos Alonso was preferred to Jordi Alba.
Probable Spain XI: David De Gea, Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Marcos Alonso, Sergio Busquets, Thiago, Saul, Marcos Asensio, Alvaro Morata, Isco
@dominictrant