UEFA Nations League: England vs Spain: Combined XI

Right-Back: Dani Carvajal (Spain/Real Madrid)

Carvajal is a peach of a right-back

The Real Madrid fullback couldn't work his magic so much in Russia but remains the best right-back in the European football circuit. In Kevin Trippier, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold, England have a really cool bunch of right-backs, but Carvajal is still a notch above the rest in that position.

He's taken no time to get going this season, scoring and assisting a goal each in three league games so far and also being defensively solid. Carvajal averages over two interceptions and almost another two tackles per game at this stage. His tireless attacking overlaps are a gem for Los Blancos and would bolster the Spanish frontline too.

Left-back: Marcos Alonso (Spain/Chelsea)

Alonso can play an important role in Nations League

On current evidence, there's nobody who comes even remotely close to Jordi Alba for the title of the best left-back. The Barcelona wizard was the most prolific fullback last season and showed no signs of slowing down in the recent Huesca demolition job. But since he isn't there in the squad, the next best choice would be Chelsea's, Marcos Alonso.

What has been more startling than the numbers he's racked since joining Chelsea in 2016 is the continued exclusion from the national set-up. Despite the Blues collectively coming a cropper last season, Alonso was one of the few shining lights though that wasn't enough to impress then-manager Fernando Hierro, who ostracized him from the World Cup squad.

New coach Luis Enrique has recalled Alonso and would most likely get some time to trudge the field. Here's the chance to nail his spot in the team. Alonso must grab it by both hands.