Three reasons why Spain lost to England

England pulled off a huge upset by beating Spain 3-2 in a crucial clash of UEFA Nations League at the Benito Villamarin in Seville on Monday. Spain have lost their first competitive game at home after 15 years.

Spain would have qualified for Nations League semi-finals with just a win. But their undefeated run under new coach Luis Enrique came to halt with a sumptuous display from Gareth Southgate’s boys.

Spain have lost for the second time at Seville, playing their 14th match. This is also for the first time Spain were down to three goals at the end of halftime at home.

England, who were a bit sloppy and couldn’t utilize their chances in the previous match against Croatia, came out all guns blazing within just three days. The first goal came in the 18th minute and it all started with a nice pass from goal-keeper Jordan Pickford. Marcus Rashford got the ball in the midfield and calmly passed it to Raheem Sterling, who outplayed David de Gea with a powerful shot. It was Sterling’s first goal three years. He had last scored against Estonia in a Euro Cup qualifier in 2015.

England got their second soon after, this time the provider was Harry Kane, who hasn’t found the scoresheet but was brilliant in the evening. Rashford, who missed two glorious chances against Croatia, did well to receive with his first and superbly finished it with his second. Sterling again got his name on the scoreline when Ross Barkley’s brilliant lofted ball found Kane, who beat the offside trap to pass unselfishly to Sterling, the latter had to only poke the ball home.

Paco Alcacer reduced the deficit immediately after coming off the bench in the second half, and Sergio Ramos got another injury-time goal to his name, but it was not enough for La Roja to avoid a defeat in their lucky ground.

Let us look at the three reasons behind Spain’s capitulation:

Spanish defense in disarray

Spain have remained untested in their defensive solidity due their experienced midfield and solid attacking line-up. But in front of counter-attacks, they crumble. That is what happened against England. Despite having 70 percent ball possession, Spanish defenders may have been over-confident and left their doors open. England intelligently used the opportunity and killed the game in the first half itself.

The constant flip-flopping with defenders is not working for Luis Enrique, who needs to find a perfect combination in the central defensive role. Gerard Pique left a huge void in the central defense after his retirement. Though Nacho filled his place, he is not a regular starter for Real Madrid and lacks game time. Enrique should look to try Cesar Azpiliqueta or Marc Bartra before opting for a permanent solution.

On Monday, Ramos allowed too much space for English players. During the third goal, Sterling was left unmarked as the linesman has turned down Spanish players’ repeated appeal for an off-side. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jonny Otto was handed a first-team debut by Enrique but he failed to impress. Jordi Alba is lethal as left-back as Enrique shouldn’t think much and bring him back in the starting line-up.

Confidence back for Englishmen

England had a superb summer in Russia under Gareth Southgate but failed to find their feet afterwards. A win in last three matches was not something the supporters were prepared for. In an empty stadium in Rijeka three days ago, England failed to shine. But in front of a house-full gallery, they were back to their usual best.

With a 4-3-3 formation, Southgate fielded an attacking line-up against England. Little did he know that his wards will come out with flying colors. Joe Gomez replaced suspended John Stones and Harry Winks came in place of Jordan Henderson. Winks never let Spanish defenders enjoy the space to play their usual game. Barkley was more confident today and his clever pass to Kane ultimately separated the two teams. England’s four-man backline was also dynamic, switching to three central defenders often during the match.

Good news for Southgate is Sterling’s return of form. Despite his huge talent, Sterling has not been impressive for his country in recent times and supporters called for his head. Young and supremely talented Jadon Sancho was the perfect replacement. But Sterling repaid the trust put in him by Southgate.

Spain feels the heat after their first real test post World Cup

Before this game, Spain had defeated World Cup runners-up Croatia by 6-0 and saw off Wales 4-1 three days. Spain started the game in the same way they are used to, lots of passes and creativity in the midfield. They went near the goal mouth twice within five minutes and could’ve scored, but Pickford saved England’s face that time. It was thought the game would be a ‘walk in the park’ for Spain. Not so easily, though.

For the last few years, Barcelona plundered English clubs with their impeccable tiki-taka formation. Even a few days ago at Wembley, the same England professionals crumble under pressure against formidable Barcelona side. But not this time. This Spanish team have only one Barcelona player, Sergio Busquets. Even after 100 caps with La Roja, Busquets remains the fulcrum of Spain’s midfield. But there was no Leo Messi or Luis Suarez to score.

Spain lacked a creative midfielder like Isco, or someone like Lucas Vazquez, who has raw pace to break this English defense but wasn’t introduced by Enrique. Another promising youngster is Rodri, who is in fine form this season for Atletico Madrid. It was surprising to see Enrique introduced Dani Ceballos but not Koke.

Paco Alcacer, who scored two goals in the last match, was left on bench and his replacement Rodrigo couldn’t find a shot on target before being substituted. Alcacer scored immediately with a fine header after coming off. Aspas and Morata are having an off-form with their respective clubs. So, Enrique should give Alcacer more chance or consider Inaki Williams, who is also a good talent.