Tuesday 15 November 2016 18:38, UK
Charlie Nicholas says England should expect to beat Spain in Tuesday night's international friendly.
Spain failed to live up to expectations in the last two major tournaments, while coach Julen Lopetegui will be without several key players for the clash at Wembley, including Chelsea's in-form striker Diego Costa and their regular centre-back pairing of Gerard Pique and captain Sergio Ramos.
England are definitely without Harry Kane and Wayne Rooney but Sky Sports' pundit Nicholas believes the hosts are still the stronger outfit.
"I watched Spain midweek as I was out there for a few days and they weren't really impressive, despite running out 4-0 winners against Macedonia," said Nicholas.
"I know they'll bring back a couple of better players but there's no Diego Costa, they don't pick Cesc Fabregas, which for the life of me I don't understand, and they're missing their best centre-backs.
"They're on a downward spiral. I heard on the Sunday Supplement the panel suggesting if only England could replicate the Spanish system, but what are they bringing through now? Hector Bellerin should've been in the team ages ago, Marc Bartra is 25 now and isn't really up to much.
"Real Madrid will sell Isco when they get the opportunity and David Silva is still one of their best players.
"If I was England I'd expect to beat them. With the players available, England have a better starting line-up."
The former Scotland international does, however, feel England did no more than meet expectations in Friday's 3-0 victory over his nation and are well behind the favourites to win the 2018 World Cup.
He added: "I admitted England would beat Scotland and we all know they will win the group easily, but they're nowhere near the best teams in the world.
"England were no better than good against Scotland. Nobody was outstanding. Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana were their best players and I expect them to be prominent again.
"The momentum should be behind Gareth Southgate, but if they do win don't start telling me they're going to win the World Cup."
