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International Friendly Preview: Spain - England
In what promises to be a tantalising encounter, Vicente del Bosque will test his Spain team against Fabio Capello's rejuvenated England team in Seville on Wednesday evening.
Feb 10, 2009 11:36:43 AM
22:00 CET - Wednesday, February 11, 2009 - Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan (Seville)
Spain against England is an intriguing encounter not just because of the litany of stars that will be on display, but because it will be a test to see what level both teams are currently competing at.
After years of struggling to live up to their pre-tournament billing as one of the favourites, the Spanish did finally meet those demands when defeating all before them at the European Championships last summer.
While the fact that they won was a surprise given their history, the talent in La Furia's squad meant that they always had the capability to go a long way.
Mentality had previously been blamed for Spain's previous lack of silverware, with the belief in the camp said to let down even the greatest of club performers when they reached the international stage.
Luis Aragonés was the coach that led the team to that success as his players produced some fast, attractive and effective football, only glimpses of which were seen in the qualifiers.
Great Expectations
The veteran trainer opted to step down after proving his harshest critics wrong and was replaced by Vicente del Bosque, a man who may have a thankless task on his hands for any unrealistic fans.
Spain are now expected to maintain that form and make a concerted effort to add the World Cup to the Euro success, but that is asking a lot even of such a talented group of players.
Del Bosque knows that expectations have risen, however, and is determined to keep the boat steady while introducing a few of his own players as he slowly makes the tweaks and changes that he wants.
Many felt that he may choose a few old friends to play, including Raul and Guti, but instead the wily trainer has employed a strict policy of those in-form always being given the nod.
That has caused some controversy this time with Fernando Torres impressing enough in his games since returning from injury for Liverpool to be called up, only for his club coach, Rafa Benitez, to be unhappy.
England have high expectations on their shoulders before every tournament, but it is not since 1966 that they have won any silverware of note and will be hoping that Fabio Capello can follow Aragones' lead.
Discipline And Determination
The Italian has certainly improved the Three Lions in many areas and while the merits of the squad are assessed before every encounter, the coach's tactics and approach are equally important.
Discipline, determination and work rate have all risen under the former Real Madrid chief and so has the effectiveness both in defence and up front when it matters.
Steve McClaren's efforts at the helm were in stark contrast to those experienced by Spain's previous coach, so it did not take much to improve upon his record, but Capello has lifted everything by a few levels.
Both trainers will know that while they may not have their first choice squads available, this will be a great test to see where they stand after several months in charge.
Clubs maybe unhappy that there is an international fixture wedged into a busy domestic and European calendar, but supporters will be relishing this match and so will the players.
RECENT FORM
Spain
2008
19/11 H 3-0 Chile
15/10 H 2-1 Belgium
11/10 A 3-0 Estonia
10/09 H 4-0 Armenia
06/09 H 1-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina
20/08 A 3-0 Denmark
England
19/11 A 2-1 Germany
15/10 A 3-1 Belarus
11/10 H 5-1 Kazakhstan
10/09 A 4-1 Croatia
06/09 A 2-1 Andorra
20/08 H 2-2 Czech Republic
TEAM NEWS
Spain
Carles Puyol pulled out of the squad after picking up a knock at the weekend and has not been replaced, but Barcelona will still be interested to see how squad debutants Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets do. Liverpool have the most players in the squad with five, but it is Torres' call-up that has caused the most controversy with Benitez airing his frustration after the striker was injured during his last game for Spain.
Juanito will also be unable to play after picking up a knock in training this week.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), José Manuel Reina (Liverpool)
Defenders: Raúl Albiol (Valencia), Álvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Juanito (Real Betis), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Sergi Busquets (Barcelona), Santiago Cazorla (Villarreal), Xavi Hernández (Barcelona), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Albert Riera (Liverpool), David Silva (Valencia), Marcos Senna (Villarreal)
Forwards: Daniel Güiza (Fenerbache), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Club), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia)
England
The visitors had to name a squad without Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney, while several other candidates including Jermain Defoe are also injured. Luke Young has since pulled out, but Capello has given some of the Premier League's most consistent performers in recent weeks a chance to prove themselves, with men such as Everton's Phil Jagielka, Aston Villa's Ashley Young and West Ham' Uniteds Carlton Cole all expected to play some part in proceedings.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Robert Green (West Ham), Joe Hart (Man City), David James (Portsmouth).
Defenders: Wayne Bridge (Man City), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Glen Johnson (Portsmouth), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham).
Midfielders: David Beckham (LA Galaxy), Gareth Barry (Villa), Michael Carrick (Man Utd), Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), James Milner (Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Man City), Ashley Young (Villa).
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Villa), Carlton Cole (West Ham), Peter Crouch (Portsmouth), Emile Heskey (Villa).
PREDICTION
It remains to be seen whether both sides will go out and try to win the game, with a quick passing game involving strong tackles and chances galore, or whether thoughts of club duty take precedent in the participants' minds, and the players looking to slow the game down and ensure that while they play to win, that there are no serious injuries incurred. A draw therefore seems the most likely outcome.
Spain 1 - 1 England
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
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