Spain vs. England
- What: Uefa Nations League group A4 clash
- When: Monday 15 October
- Where: Benito Villamarin, Seville
- Kick-off: 7.45pm (UK time)
- TV channel: live on Sky Sports Main Event
Sergio Ramos has revealed that the Spanish squad have been busy studying videos of England ahead of tonight’s Uefa Nations League clash in Seville.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Spain and Real Madrid captain warned of England’s technical ability and picked out Three Lions skipper Harry Kane for particular praise.
Quoted by The Daily Telegraph, Ramos said: “Let’s start with Harry Kane. He’s also physically a fantastic striker but technically he surprises you, he surprises a lot of people, but not me. He is great technically but there are also other great technical players and that’s why they are dangerous. I can assure you we have been studying the videos.
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“I’m very impressed by all of them. There are some players from the Premier League who concentrate on the physical side of the game. But there are also very important technical players there.”
Kane won the 2018 World Cup golden boot in Russia but has failed to score in his last six matches for England. The Tottenham star will be looking to end his goal drought by finding the net against Ramos and Co.
Tough test for England
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate believes the away trip to Spain is one of the toughest matches in world football, Sky Sports reports.
Spain, who are now coached by former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, have won both of their matches in the Uefa Nations League and on Thursday were 4-1 winners against Wales in Cardiff. Since he took over, Enrique’s side have scored 12 goals in three matches, says the BBC.
Southgate said: “Spain’s style is a little bit different. They have got a new coach, who is a top coach. You can see the difference he’s trying to make to the team.
“They are a little bit more direct, [there are] more players with speed in the front three, while Saul [Niguez] their midfield player gets in the box a lot more.
“Although the style and philosophy is very similar, they’re tactically a little bit different. They are a bit more of a direct threat so we’ve got to be prepared for that. This is one of the most difficult tests you can have in European football at the moment, if not the world.”
Team news and possible starting XIs
Spain team news
Spain coach Enrique is expected to name Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea and Chelsea defenders Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta in his team to face England. If Azpilicueta doesn’t start, Wolves right-back Jonny could be in line to make his debut.
How Spain could line up tonight at the Benito Villamarin, according to the Daily Express:
- Spain possible starting XI (4-1-2-2-1): David de Gea; Cesar Azpilicueta, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Marcos Alonso; Thiago Alcantara, Sergio Busquets, Saul Niguez; Rodrigo, Iago Aspas, Marco Asensio
England team news
John Stones and Jordan Henderson are both suspended after being booked in Friday’s 0-0 draw in Croatia. Southgate has confirmed that Liverpool’s Joe Gomez will come into the defence in place of Stones while Tottenham’s Harry Winks could replace Henderson in midfield.
Borussia Dortmund teenager Jadon Sancho made his England debut against Croatia and could feature at some point in Seville.
How England could line up against Spain, according to talkSPORT:
- England possible starting XI (4-3-3): Jordan Pickford; Kieran Trippier, Joe Gomez, Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell; Eric Dier, Harry Winks, Ross Barkley; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford
How to watch it on TV
Spain vs. England will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event. The match kicks off at 7.45pm and Sky’s coverage starts at 7pm.
