Skip to content

Harry Kane the only England player to make Spain's side, says Matt Le Tissier

Graphic

We asked Matt Le Tissier to pick his best line-up from England and Spain ahead of Friday's international friendly - and only one member of Roy Hodgson's squad made his line-up.

The Southampton legend and Soccer Saturday pundit failed to find a place for any Englishmen other than Tottenham striker Harry Kane, although he admits there were several tight calls in his XI.

Hodgson's men won all 10 matches in qualifying and face the reigning European champions in Alicante as both teams prepare for next summer's finals in France.

Le Tiss predicts...
Le Tiss predicts...

Find out what Matt Le Tissier is predicting in his England v Spain Sky Bet tip here.

Here Le Tiss' makes his selection on a combined XI from the two nations and explains the decisions behind his choices...

Graphic

I'd be surprised if any of the Soccer Saturday lads would have more than one England player in their sides. Harry Kane is the one that would get in my team, with Diego Costa completely off the boil for Chelsea at the moment.

The toughest call is probably between Joe Hart and David de Gea. It's a very close one and they're both fantastic goalkeepers, but De Gea seems to make more world-class saves.

John Stones, Everton
Image: John Stones just misses out on Le Tissier's XI

Then I was tempted to put John Stones in at centre-back but that perhaps is more due to his potential than being the finished article. I read that Gerard Pique picked him in his world XI which is saying something.

Also See:

I've stuck with Sergio Ramos though as he has a wealth of experience, which is invaluable at major tournaments, with Jordi Alba at left-back.

Nathaniel Clyne comes close at right-back as maybe it's one of Spain's weaker areas, but he's not quite as good as Dani Carvajal.

It's not really much of a contest in midfield. It says a lot that we've got a recently converted defender in Eric Dier in our squad, while Spain have Sergio Busquets.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Dave Reed is joined by Jamie Redknapp to preview England's friendly with Spain on Friday night.

Santi Cazorla would be alongside him, obviously not on his performance in the north London derby, although he was supposedly ill. Cesc Fabregas misses out as I really can't have him in there based on his form for Chelsea this season.

In attacking midfield you've got three incredible little footballers. Isco just edges out Juan Mata. Andres Iniesta may not be playing every week for Barcelona but I'm such a big fan of his that he has to get in there, then you've got David Silva, who is in the top two or three players in the Premier League.

Rooney rested
Rooney rested

Roy Hodgson on a rest for Rooney and the latest injury news

Around Sky