Following an impressive victory over rivals Scotland, England’s World Cup qualifying campaign goes onto the sidelines, with the challenge of Spain in store for Gareth Southgate’s team this week.
Spain travel to Wembley hoping to avoid successive defeats at the iconic arena. On the contrary, Gareth Southgate will be keen to impress the onlooking F.A. chiefs as he continues to audition for the permanent managerial position currently vacated following Sam Allardyce’s dismissal.
A 3-0 victory over Scotland has set the tone perfectly for Spain’s visit as the former world champions are in a transitional period – similar to England.
As the fixture remains a friendly, it’s imperative Southgate exacts a whole host of changes to witness his side’s full potential on the international stage.
With this taken into consideration, this is the starting XI the interim Southgate must select against Spain to ensure satisfaction amongst supporters and players remains at a premium.
GK: Tom Heaton
Amid a sensational start to the season for Burnley, Tom Heaton is fully deserving of his second England cap against Spain.
The 30-year-old’s form has rivalled Joe Hart’s for the last three seasons and he’s made the most saves of any Premier League goalkeeper this term – a staggering 43.
If Heaton’s ever to make a case for the No.1 jersey, he needs to be granted opportunities like the clash on Tuesday night.
RB: Nathaniel Clyne
For many years, right-back was a position England consistently had strength in depth. Clyne has suffered from the solidity in the position and finds himself playing second fiddle regularly to Kyle Walker.
Against Spain, Southgate must place Clyne back into the England side. His ability to attack and defend will be a great concern for the Spanish opposition and the Liverpool defender needs more exposure to international football.
CB: John Stones
A future England captain undeniably, but only since mega-money move to Manchester City has John Stones secured his full-time place in the England team.
Against Spain, Stones must continue his impressive run and take over the gaping hole left by Rio Ferdinand’s retirement.
CB: Michael Keane
Only in England would the league’s most in-form defender fail to get his chance for his national side.
Michael Keane’s season at Burnley has been close to perfection. It’s only a matter of time before the former Manchester United graduate returns to one of England’s biggest clubs and Southgate can accelerate that process by testing him against Spain.
LB: Danny Rose
Southgate needs to continue allowing Rose to shine at international level.
Argentina never drop Lionel Messi to the bench, so when you have the best player in the world in their position, why should they be dropped?
His ability to both attack and defend is unique and should be cherished by everyone in this modern era, including Southgate.
CM: Danny Drinkwater
When Jack Wilshere was picked ahead of Danny Drinkwater for Euro 2016, you could only wonder how the squad was selected.
Drinkwater has been the best England midfielder in the Premier League over the past eighteen months, so Spain is surely Drinkwater’s chance to show his ability to produce on the international stage.
CM: Eric Dier
Against Spain, Dier’s ability to disrupt the style of play the Spaniards will attempt to impose may be crucial for England.
Southgate doesn’t a better option for the anchor role that has proven so successful in recent months. Spain will be difficult to contain and Dier will be pivotal to defensive resilience at Wembley.
CAM: Adam Lallana
Lallana’s current form is bordering sensational. For both club and country, Lallana has been just astonishing. Against Scotland, Lallana scored the second of England’s three goals and claimed the man of the match award.
His style will complement his Spanish counterparts at Wembley, with Southgate hopeful his red hot form can continue.
RW: Theo Walcott
Since missing out on Euro 2016, Walcott’s form for Arsenal has gone to heights previously unseen, with eight goals already following his summer disappointment.
Now Southgate must allow Walcott’s recent form to blossom against one of the world’s best teams and ensure his hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed.
LW: Marcus Rashford
Rashford’s pace on the left wing will provide the necessary speed and agility to hurt the Spanish back four.
It’s been an incredible year for Rashford and a first start at Wembley is deserving for the 19-year-old. A left wing role is not an unfamiliar position for the United striker either.
ST: Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge has received a lot of criticism of late, however, the fact remains the Liverpool forward is England’s best option.
With a point to prove to Jurgen Klopp, he will be keen to add a second goal this international break to give the German a selection headache at club level.
It’s a must for Gareth!