Wednesday 16 November 2016 12:10, UK
England let a two-goal lead slip as Gareth Southgate's final game as interim manager ended in a 2-2 draw with Spain at Wembley.
Adam Lallana got the opening goal from the penalty spot and Jamie Vardy doubled England's lead early in the second half, but Spain substitutes Iago Aspas and Isco pulled La Roja level in the closing stages.
It was a bitterly disappointing finale for Southgate, who is still waiting to learn whether he will be given the job on a permanent basis. Here are five talking points from the game.
England struggled to press cohesively against Scotland but there were more encouraging signs as Southgate tweaked his line-up against Spain. Out went Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge, two players not naturally suited to a pressing game, and in came Jesse Lingard and Vardy to join Lallana and Raheem Sterling in a fast, fluid front four.
England's attacking players were instructed to apply pressure high up the pitch, and the tactic worked perfectly for the opening goal. First, Lingard forced Nacho to send the ball long, then Lallana robbed Vitolo just inside Spain's half. The visitors were caught off-guard, and Lallana's pass was perfect for Vardy to win the penalty.
Lallana's first-half withdrawal threatened to disrupt England's pressing rhythm, but Theo Walcott had only been on the pitch for a few minutes when he stole the ball from Inigo Martinez in Spain's half, forcing the centre-back to concede a free kick in a dangerous position. Moments such as those suggest Southgate is starting to get his message across.
England were excellent for 89 minutes at Wembley, but Spain's dramatic comeback showed that there is still fragility in this team. The hosts were asleep when Spain worked the ball to Iago Aspas for their first goal, and Isco was allowed to run untracked through England's defence for the equaliser.
Southgate could be seen remonstrating with the fourth official over the amount of time added on, but he should be more concerned by how his players switched off. It was a frustrating end to a night that looked so positive. Southgate is still likely to get the job, but England's collapse was a reminder that there is still plenty of work to do.
Jamie Vardy was fortunate to avoid punishment for a reckless early challenge on Cesar Azpilicueta but he ended the game with the man-of-the-match award. The Leicester striker had failed to find the net in his previous 14 appearances, but he took his opportunity to impress at Wembley after getting the nod ahead of Marcus Rashford.
He won England's penalty after stretching Spain's defence with his pace, and he made an excellent run for his headed goal from Jordan Henderson's cross. He showed plenty of industry in putting Spain's defenders under pressure, and he might have had another assist had Walcott finished from his through ball shortly after his goal. This performance could be a platform to build on.
Spain's starting line-up had an unfamiliar feel, but Sergio Busquets was a reassuring presence in central midfield. England tried to make life difficult for him in possession and he was isolated at times, but even in the face of feverish pressing he still posted a 95 per cent passing accuracy.
His combination of spatial awareness, composure and the ability to break the lines with incisive passes is vital to how Spain play, and this was a reminder that England still don't possess a player like him. Henderson and Eric Dier shielded the defence well for long periods, but neither is capable of controlling a game like Busquets.
While the evening ended on a sour note, England's exciting attacking performance felt like the template for what they should be aiming for. Where, then, does that leave Rooney? England's record goalscorer is not the dynamic player he once was. He has already lost his place at Manchester United, and there is even more competition for places in the national team.
The likes of Vardy, Sterling, Lallana and Lingard have the energy to press their opponents all over the pitch, and their speed on the counter-attack caused Spain plenty of problems, too. Playing with Rooney means adapting the style, but right now slowing things down would be a step in the wrong direction.
