Uefa Nations League: Spain vs. England team news, possible starting XIs, TV channel
Spain star Sergio Ramos is impressed by England captain Harry Kane
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.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
“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.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The history of Donald Trump's election conspiracy theories
The Explainer How the 2024 Republican nominee has consistently stoked baseless fears of a stolen election
By David Faris Published
-
Two ancient cities have been discovered along the Silk Road
Under the radar The discovery changed what was known about the old trade route
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
'People shouldn't have to share the road with impaired drivers'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
The wit and wisdom of Sven-Göran Eriksson
In Depth The first foreign coach to manage England on football, life and death
By The Week Staff Published
-
Gareth Southgate's England: a bittersweet swan song
In Depth History books will favour football manager who transformed culture of football in England
By The Week UK Published
-
What can England learn from Spain's sporting prowess?
Today's Big Question Long-term investment in coaching young talent brings Spanish success at Euros and Wimbledon
By Julia O'Driscoll, The Week UK Published
-
Can England's Euros team hold their nerve?
Today's Big Question Three Lions' 'lopsided' opening win over Serbia raises more questions than it answers
By The Week UK Published
-
The England kit: a furore over the flag
Why everyone's talking about Nike's redesign of the St George's Cross on the collar of the English national team's shirt has caused controversy
By The Week UK Published
-
Luis Rubiales and Spanish football’s MeToo moment
Talking Point Furore over Spanish FA president’s ‘non-consensual’ kiss overshadows World Cup triumph
By Harriet Marsden Published
-
Lionesses will have regrets but their legacy can be ‘incredible’
feature England stars return home after heartbreaking Women’s World Cup final loss to Spain
By Mike Starling Published
-
Spain beats England 1-0 to win its first Women's World Cup
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published