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If you're disappointed with the manner in which the UEFA Nations League kicked-off following a dour goalless draw between heavyweights France and Germany, then you're ruing too early. For there's another clash of top shouts to spice up your weekend as England welcome Spain to Wembley this Saturday.
Less then two years ago, the sides met at the same venue in an international friendly that saw La Roja fight back from two goals down to hold the Three Lions in an entertaining 2-2 stalemate. Now with an added incentive of the Euro qualification, we can expect another thrilling affair despite a raft of squad changes in both camps.
Ahead of the kick-off, let's see how England and Spain stack up in a combined XI: (Only players selected in the 23-man squad have been included)
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (England/Everton)
It's hard to mention anyone in the same breath as David De Gea, but the Spaniard's struggle at the World Cup coupled with a disastrous start to the new Premier League campaign sees England's new netminder taking a place here. The 24-year old was a constant in the nets for the Three Lions at the Russian showpiece and turned in terrific shifts to rightfully claim to be the successor of Joe Hart.
Though he's yet to keep a cleansheet in the league in 4 attempts, Pickford has made 13 saves - almost twice as much as what De Gea has mustered so far and ranks within the top 10 goalkeepers so far on that count. There's certainly more to come on the other side of the international break, but Pickford has established himself as the No.1 choice in goal under Gareth Southgate's tutelage and will most likely start against Spain in England's Nations League opener.
Right-Back: Dani Carvajal (Spain/Real Madrid)
The Real Madrid fullback couldn't work his magic so much in Russia but remains the best right-back in the European football circuit. In Kevin Trippier, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold, England have a really cool bunch of right-backs, but Carvajal is still a notch above the rest in that position.
He's taken no time to get going this season, scoring and assisting a goal each in three league games so far and also being defensively solid. Carvajal averages over two interceptions and almost another two tackles per game at this stage. His tireless attacking overlaps are a gem for Los Blancos and would bolster the Spanish frontline too.
Left-back: Marcos Alonso (Spain/Chelsea)
On current evidence, there's nobody who comes even remotely close to Jordi Alba for the title of the best left-back. The Barcelona wizard was the most prolific fullback last season and showed no signs of slowing down in the recent Huesca demolition job. But since he isn't there in the squad, the next best choice would be Chelsea's, Marcos Alonso.
What has been more startling than the numbers he's racked since joining Chelsea in 2016 is the continued exclusion from the national set-up. Despite the Blues collectively coming a cropper last season, Alonso was one of the few shining lights though that wasn't enough to impress then-manager Fernando Hierro, who ostracized him from the World Cup squad.
New coach Luis Enrique has recalled Alonso and would most likely get some time to trudge the field. Here's the chance to nail his spot in the team. Alonso must grab it by both hands.
Centre-back: John Stones (England/Manchester City)
Stones was a revelation at the back for the Three Lions at the World Cup. He also scored twice, both against Panama, while maintained a passing accuracy of a staggering 95%. With Gerard Pique calling his time on international duty, this spot was always reserved for him.
After an injury-ravaged first season, Stones burst to life last season as Manchester City cantered to the Premier League glory. He was one of the best defenders in the league and went on to further establish his status with a remarkable set of performances at the World Cup. He'd be just as crucial to England's qualification to the next round of the Nations League from an admittedly tough group.
Centre-back: Sergio Ramos (Spain/Real Madrid)
Does this man need any introduction? Ramos has time and time again proved his unparalleled centre-back credentials and even at 32, continues to be a key member of both club and country by donning the captain's armband. He was not in his element at the World Cup, committing a mistake that directly led to a goal in the final group game against Morocco, but he's still an indispensable figure and can lead La Roja to Nations League glory.
With Pique driving into the sunset, the onus is on Enrique to help him find a suitable partner at the heart of the Spanish backline, though Nacho seems the best fit right now given the pair's partnership in the Real Madrid defence several times over the years.
Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets (Spain/Barcelona)
An unsung hero for both club and country, Busquets quietly went about his business while helping the Blaugrana to the domestic double last term. He's that cog which keeps the Barcelona juggernaut ticking. His intelligence on the field is well-known and there are very few midfielders quiet like him: so complete and versatile. His passing range too, is unmatched and has been of great service to the national set-up for over a decade now.
Right Attacking Midfielder: Kevin Trippier (England/Tottenham Hotspur)
With so many competition for places in England's right-back position, Trippier was too good to be dropped. Hence manager Southgate played him on the right side of a 5-man midfield at the World Cup and the Spurs star breathed new life in his international career with a stellar campaign. His freekick versus Croatia in the semifinals was the frosting on the cake, and Trippier himself admits watching that moment over and over again.
He's now become the main man with the deadball for both club and country, and served a timely reminder of the same with another exquisite freekick versus Fulham in a recent Premier League game. He's no longer a backup; he's a guaranteed starter now and one of the star's of his side. Trippier has all the potential to achieve a legendary status with both Spurs (if he stays there for an extended period) and England in years to come.
Central Midfielder: Isco (Spain/Real Madrid)
In a Spain side that largely underwhelmed at the World Cup, Isco was a bright spot. He was the positive counterpoint to an exasperating show of tiki-taka with energy and effervescence. The former Malaga man starred for Los Blancos in the season preceding the tournament and although he's yet to find his footing in the new season, is growing into an important figure for the Reds.
With several old guards stepping down, a young and exuberant crop of players are stepping up to usher a new era in Spanish football. And Isco is one of the key members in it who can get La Roja back to its glory days.
Left Midfielder: Dele Alli (England/Tottenham Hotspur)
Alli's rise to prominence at Spurs is remarkable. His regular impact in the team makes us conveniently forget that he's still only 22. After another stellar campaign last term, Alli was somewhat off the mark at the World Cup, netting only once throughout the campaign, but has successfully shrugged off the travails to start firing in the new season again.
Now it's time for Alli to replicate those heroics on to the international stage too. Southgate acknowledges him as a key figure in his teamsheet, and successful showings with the Three Lions can help flourish his international career too.
Striker: Harry Kane (England/Tottenham Hotspur)
England's peerless striker followed-up his Premier League heroics with a stellar World Cup campaign, bagging six goals as well as the prestigious Golden Boot. And Kane has taken no time to get going again, striking twice from four games to end the August-month jinx. His services would be vital in helping the Three Lions progress to the next round of the Nations League from the formidable group.
He wasn't a part of the England side that drew 2-2 with Spain at Wembley two years ago, but here's a chance to add another scalp to his growling list of high-profile hits.
Striker: Alvaro Morata (Spain/Chelsea)
Morata seems to have hit the crossroads in 2018. What started off as a whirlwind at Chelsea with 7 goals from first 6 league games, ended up a whimper as the Real Madrid striker fizzled out following Christmas and had to face the repercussions of being ostracized from the World Cup squad. His struggles have, must to his own frustrations, continued in the new campaign and has struck only once for the Blues in the Premier League so far.
These are really worrying signs, but Morata has proved his potential with the Merengues in the past and this might just be a lean phase before he find his shooting boots again. Whatever it's going with him right now, Morata has to do it fast. Else risk losing his place in the Spanish ranks permanently. The Nations League is an opportunity to right the wrongs and gets back into the thick of the things by the time the Euros come calling.
