Spain vs England: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis, UEFA Nations League 2018-19

#4 Spain denied a penalty as Pickford error nearly costs England

At 1-3, Pickford's foul on Rodrigo in the 664th minute was deemed to be a fair challenge

After Luis Enrique had made a double substitution that had seen Paco Alcacer come on and score with a header from a corner to make it 1-3, the game could have gone down a different route had the referee awarded Spain a penalty.

Trying to be a little cute after receiving the ball in his box, Pickford attempted to dribble his way out of trouble when Rodrigo tried to press him. The goalkeeper left the ball behind him and that was when the Valencia forward pounced and almost got a shot off on an open goal.

However, Pickford used his arm to pull him back not once but twice. Rodrigo managed to keep his balance and that may have actually cost him. By the time he took a decision to shoot, Pickford stuck a leg out and tackled him as Enrique and his staff protested furiously on the bench.

Had Rodrigo gone down from Pickford's first pullback, Spain would have received a penalty and possibly a sending off as well for Pickford as he was nowhere close to legitimately challenging for the ball.

📷 Aquí la acción con más detalle🇪🇸 #ESP - 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 #ENG | 1-3 | 78' | #UnaNuevaIlusión pic.twitter.com/TYDwTwy2uA

— Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) October 15, 2018