UEFA Nations League 2018/19: England vs Spain: 3 Talking Points

#2 Some other youngsters shone in the match

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford gave a much improved performance as one of the English strikers. Instead of playing in the wing, Rashford was given a chance to operate in a more central position and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He scored England's only goal and could have scored 2 more if David Da Gea had not come up with wonderful saves to deny his efforts. He now has 4 goals in 26 appearances for England and would definitely like to improve his scoring record.

Luke Shaw also had a good match and maybe England had performed better if he were in their World Cup team. Shaw exhibited better tactical awareness than right-back Kieran Trppier in terms of positioning himself as he had to deal with the speed and skills of Rodrigo. Rodrigo and Carvajal were a constant threat through the Spanish right wing and Shaw did a creditable job in dealing with them. He also provided a brilliant through ball to Marcus Rashford which led to the only goal scored by England.

Saul Niguez, one of Spain's goal-scorers, also impressed in the Spain’s midfield with his passing range and positional sense and might prove to be a suitable replacement for the great Xavi Hernandez in the long run.