England winger Raheem Sterling has claimed that the upcoming friendlies against Spain and France will be the real test of where they are as a team.
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With both sides hit by a series of injuries, Spain’s friendly against England on Friday may not quite live up to expectations. “Hopefully we can show what we can really do”.
The Three Lions won all 10 of their Euro 2016 qualification fixtures and were the only team to ensure progression to next summer’s tournament finals in France with a 100% record.
Meanwhile, England manager Roy Hodgson said in a press conference last week that matches against Spain and France are opportunities to learn more about their players and for them to be tested, the worldwide Business Times reported.
“At the end we are seeing how players from a lot of teams are called up, but in the ends that in sides such as Real Madrid, Barca and Atletico Madrid, there are quality players and it is normal for them to be called up”, said the versatile defender.
“I’m a young player, I’m talking like a senior player but I’m only a young player and hopefully we can all come together and shine for our country and take our club form into the tournament at the end of the season”.
The Three Lions face the reigning European champions on Spanish soil after having secured their place at next summer’s Euro 2016 earlier this year. Santi Cazorla, Thiago Alcantara and Cesc Fabregas may all be fringe players for Spain, but they would surely walk into the England side.
“I think now they are in one of their runs and that is a really good sign”, the centre-half told the Daily Telegraph.
These two teams have not met competitively since 1996, when England won 4-2 on penalties in the European Championships.
“You have to have that faith”.
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Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has stuck with the striker, but Valencia forward Paco Alcacer is pushing for the leading role in attack after a two-goal performance in a 5-1 win at Celta Vigo on Saturday.
