TipResumen

INTRODUCTION

On Saturday night we will have a big clash in Group 4 between two former World Champions as England take on Spain. Both teams played at the World Cup in Russia recently and while England went much further in reaching the semi finals, Spain were eliminated in the last 16.



ENGLAND

Their last meeting ended as a draw when they met at the end of 2016 at Wembley in a friendly match. Their other five matches were also friendly matches, thus for the first time this century, England and Spain will be fighting for points this time. So without a doubt coach Southgate will send his strongest side for this match, especially because he wants to keep their positive feeling after their great showing in Russia. England surpassed expectations to reached the semi finals at the recent World Cup. They were beaten by Croatia only after extra time. Then in the fight for the third place they lost to Belgium by 2-0. Coach Southgate will not have the likes of midfielders Oxlade-Chamberlain and Lallane and right-winger Sterling due to injuries, while midfielder Young was not called up but Southgate will have called up several new players into the team.



SPAIN

Spain the former world and European champions, were stopped in the last 16 at the recent World Cup in Russia when they were beaten by hosts Russia in a penalty shoot out. Spain were favourites then and going out to the underdogs Russia was a great disappointment for them. No doubt the actions of firing coach Lopetegui right before the start of the World Cup has also caused unrest in the team. Then they appointed former sporting director Hierro as their new coach. Despite doing the best he could, no doubt the sudden departure of Lopetegui had somewhat affected the team throughout the World Cup. Under Lopetegui Spain did not experienced any defeats it has to be said. Now for new coach Enrique he will have a shortage of players since several players decided to leave the national team, such as the experienced Pique, Iniesta and D.Silva. Other then that defender Alba, midfielder Koke and striker Diego Costa were not called up for this match.



PAST MEETINGS

Spain have won in the last four of the last six meetings with England, while England won once and drew once.