Wayne Rooney will definitely start on the bench.
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And Hodgson knows his team are still developing with the aim of competing with the best Europe has to offer when they arrive in France in June.
‘Michael Carrick doesn’t look good’.
It was clear from kick-off that Gerard Pique’s declaration he supported independence for Catalonia had not gone down well with the vast majority of Spain fans.
But, if you look at the two teams, it is clear that England are challenged to create their own identity, a way of playing that reflects their inherent desires, mentality and culture, the process Australia is now well advanced in. There was a half chance for Kane in the last moments of the first half when he turned and dragged wide a shot from inside the area but in the circumstances he and his team-mates would have been glad to get to half-time on level terms.
“We’re at home, so we want to put in a good attacking performance in front of the home crowd and get the win”.
Spain’s seventh straight victory was somewhat soured after Thiago Alcantara was forced off midway through the first half with a knee problem and the Bayern Munich midfielder will have tests on Saturday.
England played on the counter-attack against Vicente del Bosque’s side who dominated possession, but the visitors lacked the composure to make the most of their opportunities.
Former Spain global Raul could be just 90 minutes from lifting one last trophy today, capping a remarkable playing career in professional soccer with a win in the North American Soccer League’s championship game.
Hodgson brought debutant Eric Dier on for Delph while Dele Alli replaced Adam Lallana but the changes did not have the desired effect.
“To some extent the lack of composure we showed on one or two occasions, compared to their incredible composure, might be due to the fact that quite a few of them are a little bit new”.
Hart saved well to deny Jordi Alba.
From Cesc Fabregas’ chipped pass into his path on the edge of the box, Gaspar turned and launched into a flying acrobatic volley to catch the ball just right and send it flying past Joe Hart and into the England net. The whole ground rose to their feet and applauded.
England managed to carve out several openings but their finishing was poor and Gaspar’s goal gave a dominant Spain a deserved lead. England had been soundly beaten.
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“I feel that since Roy has been in charge, my worldwide form has been great, I have scored a lot of goals and I hope that will continue”.
