SPAIN START ENRIQUE REIGN WITH WIN IN ENGLAND
REUTERS - Spain began a new era under Luis Enrique in impressive fashion as they came from a goal down to outplay England in a 2-1 win in their Nations League opener at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Eight weeks after their memorable World Cup run was ended by Croatia in the semi-finals, the optimism sweeping England looked justified as Marcus Rashford opened the scoring after 11 minutes.
But Spain, featuring only five of the players that started their last-16 World Cup penalty shootout defeat by Russia, hit back before half time through Saul Niguez and Rodrigo.
The second half was overshadowed by a nasty-looking injury sustained by England left-back Luke Shaw who needed lengthy treatment after a clash of heads. Spain threatened to stretch their lead as they dominated possession but England finished strongly with Rashford wasting a great chance to equalise when he fired straight at David de Gea and then having a goal by substitute Danny Welbeck disallowed deep into stoppage-time. England’s defeat was their first in their last 25 competitive fixtures at Wembley.
England and Spain will also face
There was an expectant mood in the 81,000 crowd as the game kicked off following the presentaion of the World Cup Golden Boot Trophy to home Captain Harry Kane by England’s popular Coach Gareth Southgate
World Cup runners-up Croatia in League ‘A’ Group-4 of the UEFA’S new tournament designed to add spice to the international calendar.
There was an expectant mood in the 81,000 crowd as the game kicked off following the presentaion of the World Cup Golden Boot Trophy to home Captain Harry Kane by England’s popular Coach Gareth Southgate.
England responded to go ahead in the 11th minute with a goal of stunning quality and one which spoke volumes for the brand of football Southgate is trying to establish.
Playing out from the back rather than hoofing clear, England worked the ball to Kane who then found the marauding Shaw on the left and his pass was perfect for Rashford to slot past his Manchester United teammate De Gea.