As expected, only minor changes from the team that started most games in the World Cup
Gareth Southgate has named his starting XI for England’s first ever UEFA Nations League, against Spain at Wembley tonight.
England remains in the 3-5-2 system, with only minor changes being made to the side that reached the World Cup semi-finals. Luke Shaw replaces Ashley Young at left wing-back, as he has done at Manchester United in all of this season’s Premier League games so far.
Joe Gomez has returned from injury and earned himself a call-up after an impressive start to the season and starts ahead of Kyle Walker at right-centre back.
The midfield trio of Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli remains the same, with Eric Dier on the bench, while Marcus Rashford replaces Raheem Sterling alongside captain Harry Kane up front, after Sterling withdrew from the squad with a back problem.
The XI in full is as follows:
Jordan Pickford; Joe Gomez, John Stones, Harry Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Luke Shaw; Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli; Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane (c).
Here's how the #ThreeLions line up for tonight's #NationsLeague opener! 📋 pic.twitter.com/kEBa7mxTB9
— England (@England) September 8, 2018
For England’s opponents Spain, Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso is handed a start by new coach Luis Enrique. Thiago and Saúl start either side of Sergio Busquets in midfield, while Isco is given a free role behind Iago Aspas and Rodrigo Moreno.
⚠OFICIAL | ¡Ya tenemos la alineación! ¡Con este XI debuta @LUISENRIQUE21 en la @SeFutbol y con él iniciamos nuestra andadura en la UEFA Nations League!#UnaNuevaIlusión pic.twitter.com/rpL1PM5xOm
— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) September 8, 2018
