Gordon shines but worries at the back: Five takeaways from England 2-3 Spain | OneFootball

England opened their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 home defeat against world champions Spain at Wembley Stadium.

The Three Lions fell behind early to Lamine Yamal’s strike, but fought back to lead 2-1 at the break, with Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane on target.

Kane’s penalty miss in the second period, before Spain’s second half double from Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal gave them the three points on what was an entertaining evening in London.

Here’s five big takeaways from England’s narrow loss…

1. This should have been the World Cup final

Spain’s victory over Argentina in New Jersey, was, to put it mildly, far from entertaining. What we witnessed at Wembley on a mild September night was what we were all robbed of on a scorching hot evening in July. The first half was like a basketball match – back and forth from both sides, turning attack into defence.

Even the second half, which was not quite as frantic as the first (but still not bad), made for much more rousing viewing than the drab affair across the pond at the MetLife Stadium a few months ago.

2. Anthony Gordon is England’s best left-wing option

There was much debate in the summer as to who should start on the left for England. Marcus Rashford had enjoyed a decent season at Barcelona, while Anthony Gordon scored a career-high,17 goals for Newcastle United. Gordon’s performances in the World Cup knockout rounds, combined with his move to Barcelona, has seen him move ahead in the pecking order.

With Rashford missing this international camp, and Gordon again playing well (and scoring), the man now at Barcelona has all but nailed down that spot on the left.

3. England’s left back spot is still up for grabs

Nico O’Reilly had a mixed evening at Wembley. It was his great work down the left that helped to create England’s second goal, but it was also his calamitous pass that allowed Spain to make it 2-2. O’Reilly has played in midfield of late for Manchester City, and is not a guaranteed starter in that side, and whilst his ability on the ball is clear to see, his defensive capabilities leave a bit to be desired. The pass that led to Spain’s second was an indication of his rustiness in the role.

Sat on the bench was Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, someone who has enjoyed a stellar start to the campaign. He too is immensely talented on the ball, but is perhaps more naturally suited to playing at left-back than O’Reilly. Hall’s omission from the World Cup squad raised eyebrows, perhaps now he will start to get a look in under Tuchel.

4. The Three Lions have work to do in defence

O’Reilly was not the only one to make an error in England’s back line. Spain’s opener inside the first two minutes came directly from Marc Guéhi giving the ball away, with the Three Lions looking suspect in defence all night. Spain may have scored three but they could quite easily have had more, with James Trafford’s goal living a charmed life at times.

There was often far too much space between Guéhi and Ezri Konsa, and between those in the middle and those at full back, allowing for Spain to exploit England the space with ease. It was a similar situation against France in the Bronze Medal match at the World Cup, where England conceded four. Work to be done, for sure.

5. Thomas Tuchel’s substitutions were again questionable

At the risk of bringing back the horror of the closing minutes against Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, we must once again bring Thomas Tuchel’s changes into question. On this occasion, it was not the parking of the metaphorical bus in Atlanta that ultimately cost them, but it was again a surrendering of the initiative.

Anthony Gordon had been England’s most potent threat for much of this match against Spain, with his pace clearly causing problems. And yet, he was removed midway through the second period for Morgan Rogers. Of course, Rogers is a great player, but does not possess the rapid speed of Gordon that was terrifying Spain’s right side. On top of that, James Garner’s introduction over the talented Alex Scott did not inspire England in the middle, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin failed to make any impact after replacing Harry Kane.