England strikers responded to critics: Southgate

Seville, Spain - Gareth Southgate believes England's attack answered its critics on Monday by scoring three goals in a whirlwind first half against Spain. Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane have all faced criticism in recent weeks.

"All three of them understandably had questions asked and all three responded with real top performances," he said.

"We could play off them, retain the ball. Their speed was the obvious threat but the decisionmaking, passing, and finishing was top quality."

The scrutiny on Sterling's performances for England has been particularly intense but Southgate had backed the 23 year old to rediscover his scoring touch.

"It's not for me to take any credit, the only thing we did say is when he scores, he will score again and he managed to do so pretty quickly," Southgate said.

"I don't think he ever lacked confidence. Sometimes you get chances and think too much. Tonight he took the chances, he was prepared to hit the thing early."

Spain arrived on the back of three convincing wins under its new coach Luis Enrique, including one over England at Wembley, and had scored 12 goals in the process.

"The team will gain huge belief from what it has done," Southgate added. "As a team, to play the way they did, this can be a great reference point for them for the future."