England 1-2 Spain: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#4 England’s defensive rigidity and lack of concentration exposed

The English defence was caught napping for Rodrigo's goal

Gareth Southgate employed a three-man backline that is adept in making forward passes and hence capable of building the play neatly from the back.

England’s defensive trio are comfortable in possession of the ball and are always keen to move ahead and make some incisive passes by breaking the opposition’s midfield lines.

However, as Spain scored two goals to restore lead from being down in the contest, the Three Lions’ defensive fragilities were quite clear. Luis Enrique’s men scored a sumptuous first goal, as Dele Alli firstly failed to close down Carvajal who crossed the ball low into the box.

Secondly, Harry Maguire lost track of Rodrigo, who smartly turned and passed the ball to Saul, whose clinical finish meant that Spain drew levels with the home side. Jesse Lingard had failed to keep pace with the Atletico Madrid midfielder too, and accordingly, three individual shortcomings led to Spain’s first goal.

For the second goal, Thiago crossed the ball into the box from the left flank. Here, Maguire played the Spanish players onside by his lack of movement, and Rodrigo’s smart run from the front of Kane was pivotal in this goal.

The English captain was supposed to be marking Rodrigo, but instead let him run inside from his front, as the Valencia forward scored with good footwork.

Kane should have followed Rodrigo and cramped him for space, but the Spurs’ forward remained unmoved and accordingly Enrique’s side restored the lead.