UEFA Nations League

The Netherlands continued their impressive recent form on Friday in the UEFA Nations League, as they beat France 2-0 at De Kuip in Rotterdam.

Roared on by a raucous home crowd, it was the Dutch who started the better and while the game did settle down, the Oranje got the goal they deserved on the brink of half-time. Georginio Wijnaldum latched onto a loose ball to prod past Hugo Lloris in the 44th minute.

In the second half, the home side kept the pressure up, although they ran into an in-form goalkeeper in Lloris, who did well to limit the scoring. However, he was eventually beaten again in stoppage time by Memphis Depay, who dinked a late penalty home to cap a brilliant team performance.

The win for the Netherlands means they can progress to the Nations League finals with a victory on Monday over Germany, whose relegation into the second tier of the competition was confirmed with this result.

    

France Should Look Past N'Zonzi for Pogba Alternative

They may well be world champions, but this is a France team that depends on a couple of key players to provide creativity. Pogba, who missed this game through injury, is one and his absence was felt on Friday.

Steven N'Zonzi was the man who stepped in where the Manchester United star would usually operate and while he is a capable footballer, he doesn't add the same spark as Pogba.

The Roma man's game is centred around defensive protection, so he would've been doubly disappointed to make a major error that led to the Netherlands' opening goal, heading back into a dangerous area.

French football journalist Jeremy Smith thinks he could have done better in two instances:

Nzonzi doubly at fault - should really have done more to get to the rebound too.

— Jeremy Smith (@jeremysmith98) November 16, 2018

Pogba may divide opinion, but he showed in the World Cup how crucial he is to this team; they looked one-dimensional in midfield without him.

Manager Didier Deschamps has other options in this area of the field, most notably Lyon starlet Tanguy Ndombele, who would be able to offer more thrust and inventiveness. N'Zonzi can still be a useful option, but he's a more natural replacement for N'Golo Kante than Pogba.

   

Van Dijk, De Ligt Set to be One of World's Best Defensive Duos

The Netherlands have endured a torrid time as of late in missing out on the last two major tournaments. Under Ronald Koeman they've made improvements and their progress looks set to be based on an excellent centre-back duo.

Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League during his time at Liverpool and has been imperious since being handed the captain's armband for the Dutch. In De Ligt, he looks to have an exceptional long-term partner too.

In a battle with fellow 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe, De Ligt came out on top, with journalist Simon Kuper impressed with his efforts:

I can't believe I'm writing this but the Dutch are beating France 1-0 at halftime and it's totally deserved. Give Ballon d'Or to Matthijs de Ligt right now please. Fully expect us to lose in the end but hurrah #NEDFRA

— Simon Kuper (@KuperSimon) November 16, 2018

It's easy to see why the Ajax tyro has been linked with the likes of Juventus, Manchester City and Barcelona, per Romeo Agresti of Goal. Performances like this will do little to dampen that buzz.

Van Dijk and De Ligt both boast pace, authority and composure on the ball that makes them so difficult for attackers to get the better of them. Should they stay together for years to come, they'll be one of the best centre-back partnerships in international football.

               

What's next?

With their Nations League group play concluded, France take on Uruguay in a friendly and rematch of their World Cup quarter-final in Paris on Tuesday.

The Netherlands travel to Germany to wrap up Nations League A Group 1 on Monday, with a spot in the finals now up for grabs for the former.

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic has been ruled out of Croatia's UEFA Nations League match with England at Wembley Stadium on Sunday due to a hamstring injury.

The midfielder came off after 68 minutes of Croatia's 3-2 win over Spain on Thursday, and Croatia coach Dalic confirmed he was due to return to his club side, per Goal's Jamie Smith:

"He will go to Barcelona because there is an injury. You know my practice not to risk [players] if there is anything suspicious.

"We want healthy and ready players, Ivan Rakitic at the moment is not one hundred per cent ready for the game so unfortunately we go without him. 

"We've got [Nikola] Vlasic, [Mateo] Kovacic, [Josip] Brekalo, we have [Milan] Badelj, we always have solutions. We'll look for another solution and that will be fine, I hope."

His injury wasn't specified when reports first surfaced, but Barcelona later detailed their star's ailment as he arrived back in Catalonia:

❗ [INJURY NEWS] @ivanrakitic has a hamstring strain in his right leg. His return will depend on his recovery pic.twitter.com/OmCR0ptBQG

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) November 17, 2018

The 30-year-old will now spend some time on the sidelines. As well as missing Croatia's match with England, he will also sit out Barcelona's next fixture against Atletico Madrid due to suspension.

Rakitic suspended for Atletico Madrid clash https://t.co/zCANk4PwWn

— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) November 11, 2018

The rest may prove to be timely. Rakitic is a key player for club and country and has already made 20 appearances in all competitions this season.

He has also spoken about how many games he played last season, when he won a league and cup double with Barcelona and helped Croatia to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

"I don't think it's coincidence that many of our players started the season late, or have been injured or exhausted," he told the Guardian's Sid Lowe. "I played maybe 70 games last season, practically two seasons in one, and after the World Cup, those first days home were like…[puffed out his cheeks]."

His absence will be a blow to Croatia, who kept their Nations League hopes alive with a thrilling 3-2 win over Spain. The team can now qualify for the finals if they beat England. However, they will be relegated with defeat or a goalless draw.

ESPN FC's Dale Johnson showed the permutations:

England's Nations League fate. #ENGUSA

England beat Croatia
1. England, 2. Spain, 3. Croatia

0-0 draw
1. Spain, 2. England, 3. Croatia

Score draw
1. Spain, 2. Croatia, 3. England

Croatia beat England
1. Croatia, 2. Spain, 3. England

— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) November 15, 2018

Croatia will fancy their chances after a morale-boosting victory over Spain. While the two teams drew 0-0 in Croatia earlier in the group, Dalic's side had the upper hand in the World Cup, knocking England out in the semi-finals.

Dalic does have some strong options to replace Rakitic against England. CKSA Moscow's Nikola Vlasic took his place against Spain and may retain his spot, while Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic is also in contention to start.

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has continued his feud with Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos and referred to his team as "p--sies" after Croatia defeated Spain 3-2 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.

Tin Jedvaj bagged an injury-time winner to keep alive Croatia's hopes of reaching the first Nations League finals. Lovren posted on his Instagram story from the dressing room and said (translated by AS): "Haha! 3-2! Go ahead and talk now, buddy. Buddy! They are a bunch of p--sies."

The Reds star also said "Elbowed him good!" in a seeming allusion to a challenge he made on Ramos during the game and referred to in another Instagram post celebrating the victory. In that image, Ramos is seen grabbing his head in discomfort.

Centre-back Ramos scored from the penalty spot to take his record to four goals in his last four matches for Spain, although his side have slipped to back-to-back losses against Croatia and England.

Merseyside football writer Richard Buxton has grown weary of the affair:

https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/1063379125858123776

The rivalry between the pair—who faced off in last season's UEFA Champions League final in Kiev—was reignited when Lovren told Copa90 that Ramos' reputation has been saved by Real's strength in attack (h/t AS).

He said: "If you look at Ramos, he has many more mistakes than me. But he's at Real Madrid. Ronaldo, a couple of seasons ago, when you do a mistake, but you win 5-1, 5-2, nobody sees the mistake."

Ramos, 32, took the high road in response to those remarks and refused to comment: "I do not know if those things are said out of frustration or for other reasons. I'm not going to answer Lovren or those who want to win a front-page headline or news bulletin. Let each one win things on the field."

It was a challenge from Ramos that meant Mohamed Salah had to be withdrawn after only 30 minutes in May's Champions League final, and the Spaniard also clashed with Reds goalkeeper Loris Karius.

Still a better love story than Twilight. pic.twitter.com/q1JpkOyhIT

— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 16, 2018

Both Real and Liverpool share the lead in their respective Champions League groups this season and could potentially cross paths in Europe again should they advance.

The Netherlands must beat France at De Kuip in Rotterdam on Friday if they're to stand any chance of finishing first in UEFA Nations League Group A1, with Les Bleus on the brink of securing their spot in the finals in June.

France sit four points ahead of the Dutch and will play their final group game on Friday, while Ronald Koeman's hosts must win before defeating Germany away in Gelsenkirchen on Monday to finish top. France were 2-1 victors over the Netherlands in September and would advance if it went to a tiebreaker.

One point on Friday would also be sufficient to keep France four points outside the Netherlands' reach and thus see Didier Deschamps' men into the finals.

Both teams have beaten Germany—who have been sub-par of late—in their recent outings. De Oranje defeated Die Mannschaft 3-0 on October 13, and Les Bleus came from behind to defeat Joachim Low's side 2-1 three days later thanks to an Antoine Griezmann brace.

The Netherlands have shown signs of a revival under Koeman, but France can put a premature end to their Nations League hopes in Rotterdam.

       

Date: Friday, November 16

Time: 7:45 p.m. GMT/2:45 p.m. ET

Venue: De Kuip (Feyenoord Stadium), Rotterdam

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), ESPN+ (U.S.)

TV Info: Sky Sports (UK), ESPN 2 (U.S.)

      

Odds

Netherlands: 2-1

Draw: 5-2

France: 13-10

Via Oddschecker.com

      

Preview

Defending world champions France have shown few signs of letting up in form following their triumph in Russia this past summer. They are unbeaten in four matches, although one was a 2-2 draw against Iceland in a friendly.

Deschamps' men won the World Cup due to the depth in the quality of their squad, but the manager will be tested by a string of recent injury concerns that have affected them in almost all areas:

The injury problems keep mounting for France as Benjamin Mendy joins Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba and Alexandre Lacazette in withdrawing from Didier Deschamps' squad.

France play Netherlands on Friday in the #NationsLeague before a friendly with Uruguay on November 20. https://t.co/BpZ9SbmDRs

— Omnisport (@OmnisportNews) November 12, 2018

The squad at least still includes Paris Saint-Germain prodigy Kylian Mbappe and Chelsea frontman Olivier Giroud, who supplied their goals in the 2-1 victory over the Netherlands two months ago.

Giroud's volleyed winner from a Benjamin Mendy cross was the highlight of the clash, with France scoring either side of Ryan Babel's leveller to notch their first Nations League victory, via Sky Sports:

The Netherlands have kept only two clean sheets in their eight matches since Koeman took charge, holding off Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal for a 3-0 win in March and repeating that result against the Germans last month.

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk will lead De Oranje out on Friday, and the national-team captain responded to his manager's recent suggestions he can be lazy:

Virgil van Dijk on criticisms he can be lazy at times, "No, it does not bother me, because it's true, there are times when I'm less keen, I work on it and I get help from trainers and fellow players, it happens to many players, but it's about whether those moments are punished " pic.twitter.com/7INNF9YxMn

— Dutch Football 🇳🇱 (@FootballOranje_) November 14, 2018

He can't afford to show such signs against the likes of Mbappe, Griezmann or N'Golo Kante, three of France's stars who have been key to their success in recent times.

France are unbeaten in 15 matches and have a place in the Nations League finals to fight for on Friday, though the Netherlands will treat this as their own final at the risk of falling out of the race for first.

Spain manager Luis Enrique said he felt "football was unfair" in his team's loss to Croatia in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday.

Croatia earned a dramatic 3-2 win thanks to a Tin Jedvaj brace, with his second goal a stoppage-time winner. Speaking after the game, Enrique said he felt as though the team deserved a positive outcome for their performance, per Football Espana:

"The team deserved more, certainly not a defeat. Their first goal came from a mistake, the second was from a set-piece and their last one was lucky as it came when both teams were going for it.

"Obviously it would've been much better to win. We did some good things in the second half, but they opted to play on the break and not press very high. ...

"We came back twice and deserved something from it. We hit the woodwork and it's incredible that some of our chances didn't go in. I don't think football was fair to us tonight."

A win would have ensured Spain a place in the Nations League finals, but now their fate is out of their hands. They need England and Croatia to draw when they meet at Wembley on Sunday; a win for either side would be enough to put them top of the group.

Spain twice came from behind in Zagreb, with goals from Dani Ceballos and Sergio Ramos cancelling out efforts from Andrej Kramaric and Jedvaj. They had numerous chances to score more times in the second period, with Iago Aspas and Alvaro Morata far too profligate with their opportunities.

In the competition, per Sid Lowe of the Guardian, the Spanish have always been enjoyable to watch:

Spain’s four Nations League games have produced NINETEEN goals. It’s been fun.

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) November 15, 2018

However, given they've now conceded six times in their last two Nations League matches, there are clearly issues for Enrique to work on.

Following the international retirement of Gerard Pique, the Spain defence hasn't looked quite as secure, with Enrique struggling to find a successor for the centre-back. In addition, Ramos has also had a challenging start to the season for Real Madrid and has been out of sorts defensively in recent matches.

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge commented on other areas where Spain appeared vulnerable on the night:

When Iñigo was the best defender for Spain it kinda sums it up really. Did really well covering for a wild Ramos and Sergi Roberto who simply couldn't defend. The sight of Busquets coughing up a lung to get back isn't one you'd expect to still see.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) November 15, 2018

The result was a big one for Croatia, as they would have been disappointed by the way in which they played against Spain previously; the FIFA World Cup finalists were hammered 6-0 in the last meeting between the two teams.

While Croatia and England will fight it out in London, next up for Spain is a friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday in Gran Canaria, where Enrique will look to sort out some of those defensive woes that cost his side on Thursday.

Croatia kept their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Nations League finals alive on Thursday, as a surprise brace from Tin Jedvaj gave them a stunning 3-2 over Spain. 

There were no goals in the first period, although both teams showcased flashes of quality. Ivan Perisic went closest early on, as he struck the woodwork.

After the interval, the game ignited, with Andrej Kramaric's opener immediately cancelled out by Dani Ceballos' equaliser. The hosts then held off some Spain pressure to retake the lead in the 69th minute, as Jedvaj headed home Luka Modric's pinpoint cross, only for Sergio Ramos to equalise from the penalty spot.

However, there was drama in stoppage time, as David De Gea could only parry a shot into the path of Jedvaj, who sent the Zagreb crowd into raptures with his finish for the victory.

     

     

Spain Lack Natural Successor To Declining Sergio Ramos

For club and country, it's not been the best start to the season for Sergio Ramos, and this was another challenging night for the defender.

While he was able to stroll through the first period at times, when Croatia applied more pressure after the break, he was left puzzled by the movement of Ivan Perisic, Ante Rebic and Kramaric.

It was his slack pass in the buildup to Sergi Roberto that allowed Croatia to take the lead; Kieran Canning of Agence France-Presse wasn't impressed:

Even by Ramos's early-season standards, his past few months really have been outstanding https://t.co/LokMWulb90

— Kieran Canning (@KieranCanning) November 15, 2018

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge noted that Ramos was constantly losing his battle against Rebic:

Rebić has really rattled Ramos tonight, got under his skin. A bit Diego Costa-like in his tenacity.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) November 15, 2018

While Ramos did tuck home a penalty late on and continue his extraordinary goalscoring record for a defender—he now has 17 for his country—at the back, Spain have mounting issues.

With the Real Madrid man struggling and Gerard Pique retired, manager Luis Enrique will be worried about the dearth of other high-class options he has in this position.

   

Croatia Show World Cup Run was No Fluke

When Croatia were hammered 6-0 by Spain earlier in the Nations League, a few eyebrows would have been raised following their shock run to the FIFA World Cup final. But here they showed why they are among the best teams on the planet.

Against a high-class Spain team they sizzled at times, with a vibrant attack complemented well by the midfield mastery of Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Marcelo Brozovic.

There were times when the team did look open, with their enterprising approach epitomised by Jedvaj's bursts forward to score Croatia's second and third goals. However, with so much talent available high up the pitch, it's not a shock to see the team operate with an attacking slant.

In the end, it was an approach that worked well for the home side, and they were deserving of their late winning goal. They now have four points from their four games and can win the group with victory against England next time out.

   

What's next?

Croatia will finish their Nations League Group 4 campaign against England on Sunday at Wembley. Spain are also back in action on Sunday, as they welcome Bosnia-Herzegovina to Gran Canaria for a friendly.

Spain captain Sergio Ramos has called England "world class" following their 3-2 win over La Roja in the UEFA Nations League on Monday. 

The Three Lions were excellent in the first period at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, surging into a three-goal lead before the break and then holding off a Spain fightback in the second period. 

Afterwards, the Real Madrid legend said he was happy with the way the team bounced back after their sluggish first 45 minutes but praised the away side, too, per Football Espana.

"It's a shame because it was our objective to round off a great run of games," he said. "It didn't go as planned, but now we have one more game to put all our tension into. England are world-class opponents with some very dangerous players. We had to forget the first half and turn it around in the time it took them to go 3-0 up."

The visitors showed why they made it to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in the summer with a blistering first-half display, with two goals from Raheem Sterling either side of Marcus Rashford's finish putting them in a commanding position.

In the end, that onslaught was the bedrock of what was a historic result for Gareth Southgate's side, per Sky Sports Statto:

England become the first visiting side to win a competitive international against Spain since Greece in June 2003 - Spain had been unbeaten in 38 home games since (W34 D4) pic.twitter.com/jpDHiWC0JU

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) October 15, 2018

Joe Prince-Wright of NBC Sports commented on how young the victorious England team was in Seville too:

The youngest England starting XI since 1959 becomes the first team in 15 years to beat Spain on home soil in a competitive game. Future is bright for #ThreeLions

Gareth Southgate has a marquee win to show progress after the World Cup & next batch of youngsters are ready

🦁🦁🦁

— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) October 15, 2018

Ramos, although he scored the second of Spain's goals with the final touch of the game, was part of a defence that was pulled to pieces at times by Sterling, Rashford and England skipper Harry Kane.

In was a display not in keeping with the way in which the 2010 world champions have operated since Luis Enrique took charge earlier in the year. In their previous two Nations League matches they were outstanding, beating Croatia 6-0 and England 2-1 at Wembley.

It was a match that showed there is still a lot of work for the new coach to do. Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge suggested this result should prevent complacency moving forward:

Spain a completely different side in the second half, or at least once Ceballos appeared. As ever, he changes games with his desire to be on the ball and usage of it. Should be a regular starter in this team.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) October 15, 2018

For England it was another indicator that the team is moving in the right direction under Southgate, as they play with a vibrancy that has been absent for long spells in previous Three Lions outfits. The praise from Ramos, as such, is warranted.

Following their shock run to the semi-finals at the World Cup there was a sense of achievement, although this is a group of players that appear keen to show that their performances in Russia represented the start of a journey, not the culmination of one.

World champions France will be hoping to pour more misery on a struggling Germany side when the two nations clash on Tuesday in the UEFA Nations League at the Stade de France, Paris.

Die Mannschaft sit bottom of Group A1 with just a single point from two games played. Joachim Low's side were beaten 3-0 by the Netherlands on Saturday and are on a poor run of form with six defeats in their last 10 games.

France warmed up for the match with a 2-2 friendly draw against Iceland. Les Bleus staged a late comeback to rescue a draw thanks to a Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson own goal and a Kylian Mbappe strike. 

Didier Deschamps' side have now gone 13 games without defeat and are favourites to extend that run and take all three points.

        

Date: Tuesday, October 17

Time: 7:45 p.m. BST/2:45 p.m. ET

TV Info: Sky Sports Football (UK), Univision (U.S.)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), ESPN+ (U.S.)

      

Odds

France: 13-20

Germany: 15-4

Draw: 3-1

Odds according to OddsShark

       

Preview

Germany are in need of a result against France, as another defeat would leave them on the brink of relegation to League B.

However, the team are struggling in all areas of the pitch. In attack they have gone three games without a goal for the first time ever:

Germany fail to score in three consecutive competitive games for the first time in their history 👀 pic.twitter.com/GJQnGiQQky

— B/R Football (@brfootball) October 13, 2018

Low has been at a loss to explain why they are misfiring in front of goal, per Reuters (h/t ESPN FC).

"It's difficult to answer why we are struggling for goals," he said. "We're creating chances but simply aren't putting them away, which would have been very important for our confidence. The fact is, we had so many chances in the last two games but couldn't score. That's really bad."

Thomas Muller, Timo Werner both wasted good opportunities against the Netherlands, while Mark Uth endured a tough debut and made no impact on the game. Leroy Sane was also guilty of spurning chances after coming off the bench to replace Muller.

Defence has also been a problem with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer culpable for Virgil van Dijk's opening goal after failing to deal with Memphis Depay's corner

Football writer Lars Pollman called for a change at the back:

Marc-Andre ter Stegen should play over Manuel Neuer. It's time. Been time for a while really.

— @larspollmann.bsky.social (@LarsPollmann) October 13, 2018

Bayern Munich defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng have also looked vulnerable, and there's a sense Low needs to look to the younger players in his squad if he is to get his team back on the right path.

Low will have to make at least one change, as Boateng has been ruled out with a calf injury, per Goal's Matt Dorman. Niklas Sule looks the most likely option to come into the team.

The German defence will need to be at its best to keep out an in-form Mbappe who has 12 goals already this season for club and country.

The 19-year-old has been enjoying himself in training ahead of the game:

Mbappe caught him SLIPPING 🤣

(via @equipedefrance) https://t.co/O38SqUVFJ9

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 14, 2018

France can also look to Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud for goals in a star-studded squad that also includes the likes of Paul Pogba, N'Golo Kante, Ousmane Dembele, Thomas Lemar and Dimitri Payet.

The two teams played out a goalless draw in the reverse fixture in Munich in September. Given Germany's struggles a repeat looks unlikely with France having the attacking power to take advantage and clinch victory on home soil.

England secured an impressive 3-2 win over Spain in the UEFA Nations League on Monday at Real Betis' Estadio Benito Villamarin. 

The hosts started the game strongly but went behind after 16 minutes following a quick England counter-attack. Marcus Rashford found Raheem Sterling with a precise pass, and the Manchester City forward smashed the ball past goalkeeper David De Gea and into the top corner.

Rashford doubled England's lead just before the half-hour mark after good work from Harry Kane. The captain took a long ball and picked out Rashford who took a nice first touch before converting clinically.

England then added a third before half-time, as Sterling grabbed his second of the night. Ross Barkley lifted the ball over the Spain defence and into Kane to cross for Sterling to slot home from close range.

Luis Enrique made changes in the second half, bringing on Paco Alcacer and Dani Ceballos. Alcacer made an instant impact, as he headed home Marco Asensio's corner.

Spain dominated the rest of the game but had to wait until the seventh minute of stoppage time to pull another goal back, as Sergio Ramos headed home before the referee blew for full-time.

  

Raheem Sterling Silences the Haters

Sterling ended his long wait for a goal in England colours by netting the opener in Spain. The Manchester City man had not scored for his country since 2015:

1102 - Raheem Sterling has scored his first goal for @England since October 2015 vs Estonia - 1102 days ago. Relief. #ESPENG

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 15, 2018

The goal will be a weight off Sterling's young shoulders and justifies manager Gareth Southgate's faith in the 23-year-old. 

Former England striker Gary Lineker said Sterling is subjected to unfair criticism:

Raheem Sterling with a superb finish gives England the lead. Gets unwarranted criticism at times, but we tend to forget he’s still only 23. Terrific young footballer with a great attitude.

— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 15, 2018

Sterling added a second to put England 3-0 up and on their way to a first victory in Spain since 1987.

The youngster's performance will quieten his critics, as he brought the form he has consistently shown at club level to the international scene.

Former striker John Hartson said Sterling can expect the press to lay off him:

Sterling may just escape getting hammered by the press tomorrow 😅

— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) October 15, 2018

Sterling's display was his finest performance for his country. The challenge now will be to consistently bring his best Manchester City form to England duty.

     

Luis Enrique Must Find Role For Dani Ceballos

Enrique waited until almost the hour mark before finally deciding to change his team. Alcacer got Spain back into it with his goal, but it was the arrival of Ceballos which really helped change the game.

Spanish football journalist David Cartlidge explained the impact he had:

Spain a completely different side in the second half, or at least once Ceballos appeared. As ever, he changes games with his desire to be on the ball and usage of it. Should be a regular starter in this team.

— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) October 15, 2018

The Real Madrid man brought aggression and purpose to Spain's midfield and helped the team dominate the last half an hour.

It was a performance which demonstrated just how important Ceballos is to the national team, and Enrique must find a role for him in his side.

Squawka's Muhammad Butt was surprised by the decision to start Thiago over Ceballos:

I literally cannot believe he picked Thiago over Ceballos. Busquets really missing Dani C. - also this is what we feared re: Alba. his recovery pace a huge miss.

— Muhammad Butt (@muhammadbutt) October 15, 2018

Monday's match was only Enrique's fourth in charge of Spain since being appointed as manager in July. He will have learnt plenty from his team's defeat, and it would be a surprise if Ceballos did not start next time out against Croatia.

         

What's Next?

Spain are back in action in November when they face Croatia in a Nations League clash. England's next fixture is a friendly against the United States at Wembley Stadium on Nov. 15. 

Spain are favourites to beat England on Monday, as the pair clash in Group 3 of League A in the UEFA Nations League in Seville.

The Spanish have been the outstanding side in Europe's newest competition and will hope to maintain their 100 per cent record.

A victory for La Furia Roja will see them qualify as group winners, eliminating England and Croatia.

                              

Date: Monday, Oct. 15

Time: 7:45 p.m. (BST), 2:45 p.m. (ET)

Odds: Spain win: -125 (bet $125 to win $100), England win: +350, Draw: +250

TV: Sky Sports Main Event (UK)

Stream: Sky Go (UK), ESPN+ (U.S.)

Odds according to OddsShark.

              

Preview

After wonderful campaigns at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, England and Croatia would have felt they were ready for success in the Nations league.

However, Spain have quickly re-established the status quo, and their dominance in Group 3 of League A has been clear and precise.

Three Lions coach Gareth Southgate has continued to build a squad filled with youth and exuberance, but the games after Russia 2018 have served as a lesson to his team.

Spain have been ruthless, and with quality oozing from every pore, they once again appear to be world beaters.

Former coach Julen Lopetegui's acrimonious departure destroyed any hopes of success at the World Cup, but new Spain manager Luis Enrique has arrived with huge enthusiasm.

The ex-Barcelona boss has his side set up in a familiar 4-3-3, and the attackers have quickly profited from playing a system they know well.

Spain have scored 12 goals in their last three games, and England will struggle to keep a clean sheet at the home of Real Betis on Monday.

Spanish defender Cesar Azpilicueta has said the disappointment of Russia 2018 has refuelled his nation.

Per Phil Blanche of the Associated Press (via MailOnline), the Chelsea star noted Southgate's recent success but added his team-mates are motivated to show their own quality:

"We know England are a very strong team.

"They reached the semi-finals of the World Cup and have young players.

"They have been working a few years together and play in a very good way. Obviously we are aware of that.

"But we are lucky in Spain to have so many players that will fight for their place in the squad.

"We are pleased because we are coming from a disappointment in the World Cup and we know we have to recover our place."

According to BBC Sport, John Stones and Jordan Henderson will be missing for the trip to Spain, with both players suspended after receiving bookings in England's match against Croatia.

Southgate could opt to sit his team deeper and play on the counter-attack, opening up the match for budding teenage superstar Jadon Sancho.

Sancho came off the bench to make his senior debut against Croatia, and the Borussia Dortmund attacker was not out of his depth against the team that finished runner-up to France at the World Cup.

The 18-year-old is brave and relentless, and his success in the Bundesliga has made him one of the most exciting prospects in world football.

England will expect to have only a small share of possession in Seville and will have to be economical to hurt Spain in short and sharp bursts.