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Lee Carsley is hoping success with England Under-21 would be a great boost to the confidence of British coaches.
“It’s a great chance for us to enhance our reputation because I think that’s a big thing,” said Carsley. “We talk about British coaches getting more opportunities and, at this stage, if a British coach can go against a Spanish coach and the team can really perform well it helps not just myself but British coaches in general. I’m not sure I’m flying the flag, but it’s important when people watch the under-21s at home they’re excited by the way they’re playing.
“We want to see real attacking football, aggressive football, because you know what we’ve done in the past has got us to this position. If we’re going to win major tournaments, these are the moments where we have to step up.”
ShareStarting lineups
Spain (4-2-3-1): Iturbe; Pubill, Tarrega, Mosquera, Bueno; Guerra, Turrientes; Juanlu, Moleiro, Lopez; Joseph
Subs: Fraga, Cunat, Rafa Marin, Torre, Moro, Garcia, Jaureguizar, Herzog, Rodriguez, Fernandez, Pablo Marin
England (4-2-3-1): Beadle; Hinshelwood, Quansah, Cresswell, Livramento; Scott, Morton; Elliott, McAtee, Hutchinson; Stansfield
Subs: Simkin, Sharman-Lowe, Edwards, Hackney, Fellows, Anderson, Rowe, Norton-Cuffy, Gray, Egan-Riley, Iling-Junior, Nwaneri
SharePreamble
Holders England have struggled through to this point, which is probably not ideal preparation for facing the tournament favourites Spain. Lee Carsley’s side lost to Germany’s second string last time out and do so in relatively meek fashion. They dominated possession but were impressively blunt in the final third.
There is plenty of quality at Carsley’s disposal but they are missing a No 9. Jay Stansfield made a difference against Germany and might get the nod here over Jonathan Rowe.
England beat Spain two years ago to win the competition but this is a very different squad and with key men at the Club World Cup, they are doing their best but do not give the impression of going all the way. That could all change with a dominant display here but the past week has not suggested such a thing is coming.
Kick-off 8pm BST