Spain produced an amazing fightback as they held England to a nervy 2-2 draw in a gripping international friendly at the iconic Wembley stadium.
Liverpool star Adam Lallana put the hosts ahead from the spot after Pepe Reina appeared to have fouled Jamie Vardy inside the area, before the latter got on the scoresheet himself with a ferocious header early after the break to put the Three Lions in cruise control.
La Roja huffed and puffed to get some consolation, and for all their efforts, Iago Aspas reduced the arrears with a sumptuous effort in the penultimate minute of normal time. With belief now restored, Spain continued to push forward and Isco completed the turnaround deep in the stoppage time.
Here are some of the major talking points.
#1 Fascinating friendly lights up Wembley
With some big names from either camps missing out on the friendly, not many expected fireworks to be produced. Yet, this game turned out to be a really fascinating affair and also the most entertaining of all the friendlies played on the night.
Both sides played with intensity and the aim to outperform each other. Whilst England controlled the proceedings in the opening half, Spain emerged the dominant force in the second. The teams looked to continue in the same vein with which they racked-up big victories in the qualifiers earlier in the week, and there wasn’t a single moment when the tempo plunged even a bit.
Some really end-to-end stuff there.
#2 Spain substitutes hold a candle to a strong England XI
Although the hosts were without some star attractions such as Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane, Daniel Sturridge, they still had the likes of Jamie Vardy, Adam Lallana, Gary Cahill, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, giving a strong look to their line-up.
Spain, on the other hand, largely constituted players who were either inexperienced at the international level, or been used sparingly used in the past. Regardless, Julen Loptegui’s experimental line-up matched shoulder-to-shoulder with Gareth Southgate’s side and produced a late comeback to salvage a draw.
England did hold an impermeable defence, but that didn’t stop the visitors from creating chances. Particularly after the arrival of Alvaro Morata and Isco, La Roja appeared more threatening and their persistence eventually paid off handsomely.
#3 The backline was the only blemish for the visitors
In an otherwise satisfactory night for new manager Julen Loptegui, the inexperienced defence was the only cause of concern. A defensive line-up of Cesar Azpilicueta, Nacho and Inigo Martinez, who have never played together in the Spanish defence, was never going to work, and the hosts had a pleasant time heckling them.
The back 3 were complimented by attack-minded full-backs, Dani Carvajal on the right and Vitolo on the left
England cut through the defence with the ease of a knife slicing through hot butter and their every foray into the box set alarm bells ringing for Spain. The likes of Jamie Vardy, Raheem Sterling and Theo Walcott outclassed their opposite numbers with pace and tenacity, as the Spanish struggled massively at the back.
#4 Jamie Vardy provides more attacking options for Southgate
Whilst Daniel Sturridge had established himself as the first-choice No.9 for England, the rise of Harry Kane threw up some competition for the spot. However, now with Jamie Vardy also rising to prominence, the selection headache has only got worse for the English.
The Leicester City talisman was responsible for both the England goals as he first won a penalty for his side and then struck a low header past Reina for their second on the night. The absence of both the former strikers meant Vardy got a chance to impress upfront, and needless to say, he did so with aplomb.
#5 Isco proves his worth; Real Madrid must take note
From a rising talent to a mere benchwarmer, the decline of Isco has been really disappointing. The 24-year old has become somewhat of a forgotten man at Real Madrid and spends more time on the bench than on the turf. However, his goal against England showed how important he can still be.
Having brought on after the break, the former Malaga man led the charge for Spain and worked tirelessly to help his side get back into the game. His arrival added more dynamism to the Spanish attack and completed the turnaround with a nonchalant finish through the legs of Tom Heaton in the dying embers.
Isco may have been secondary to Real’s requirements these days, but the European champions must take note of his performance today, for he is not finished yet.
