UEFA Nations League: England vs Spain: Combined XI

Defensive Midfielder: Sergio Busquets (Spain/Barcelona)

Busquets has got off to the new season in a good form

An unsung hero for both club and country, Busquets quietly went about his business while helping the Blaugrana to the domestic double last term. He's that cog which keeps the Barcelona juggernaut ticking. His intelligence on the field is well-known and there are very few midfielders quiet like him: so complete and versatile. His passing range too, is unmatched and has been of great service to the national set-up for over a decade now.

Right Attacking Midfielder: Kevin Trippier (England/Tottenham Hotspur)

Trippier has been a revelation this year

With so many competition for places in England's right-back position, Trippier was too good to be dropped. Hence manager Southgate played him on the right side of a 5-man midfield at the World Cup and the Spurs star breathed new life in his international career with a stellar campaign. His freekick versus Croatia in the semifinals was the frosting on the cake, and Trippier himself admits watching that moment over and over again.

He's now become the main man with the deadball for both club and country, and served a timely reminder of the same with another exquisite freekick versus Fulham in a recent Premier League game. He's no longer a backup; he's a guaranteed starter now and one of the star's of his side. Trippier has all the potential to achieve a legendary status with both Spurs (if he stays there for an extended period) and England in years to come.

Central Midfielder: Isco (Spain/Real Madrid)

Isco is taking up the midfield mantle from Iniesta

In a Spain side that largely underwhelmed at the World Cup, Isco was a bright spot. He was the positive counterpoint to an exasperating show of tiki-taka with energy and effervescence. The former Malaga man starred for Los Blancos in the season preceding the tournament and although he's yet to find his footing in the new season, is growing into an important figure for the Reds.

With several old guards stepping down, a young and exuberant crop of players are stepping up to usher a new era in Spanish football. And Isco is one of the key members in it who can get La Roja back to its glory days.

Left Midfielder: Dele Alli (England/Tottenham Hotspur)

Alli is one of England's brightest young talents

Alli's rise to prominence at Spurs is remarkable. His regular impact in the team makes us conveniently forget that he's still only 22. After another stellar campaign last term, Alli was somewhat off the mark at the World Cup, netting only once throughout the campaign, but has successfully shrugged off the travails to start firing in the new season again.

Now it's time for Alli to replicate those heroics on to the international stage too. Southgate acknowledges him as a key figure in his teamsheet, and successful showings with the Three Lions can help flourish his international career too.