Spain 2-0 England: 5 things we learned as European champions ease to victory in Alicante
England were shown just how far they still
have to come after losing 2-0 to Spain in
Alicante.
The Three Lions romped to Euro 2016
qualification but were quite comfortably
second-best against the reigning champions.
Full-back Mario Gaspar opened the scoring
with a sensational acrobatic effort before
Santi Cazorla doubled the lead with a precise
finish.
Roy Hodgson used the encounter to give some
of his fringe players a run out but it was a
struggle for the Three Lions.
Here are five things we learned
*** England show resilience
Improved: Kyle Walker challenges Jordi Alba
Spain may be a class above possession but
England showed their resilience in the second
half.
At times in the first half Roy Hodgson’s men
needed their own ball.
They couldn’t get near the Spanish who
passed and moved at their leisure.
The second half, England made much more of
a game of it with Sterling and Barkley running
off Kane.
Bertrand taking his
chance
Impressive: Bertrand was one of England's
better performers
Ryan Bertrand is making the left-back slot his
own in the absence of Luke Shaw.
Decent at the back and a good understanding
going forward.
Some good balls into the box to cause
problems for the home side and, late in the
first half when he looked up and saw little on,
he instead started the move that ended with a
chance for Kane.
Costa's woes continue
Out of form: Costa struggled again
Diego Costa is a problem for his country as
well as his club.
He lasted just 63 minutes here before he was
out of his misery and replaced by Juan Mata.
His decision-making was poor, he dithered in
possession and both Kyle Walker and Phil
Jones snuffed him out easily.
Fabregas back at it
Assist: Fabregas' pass was sensational
Does Cesc Fabregas have his creative juices
flowing again?
The Chelsea midfielder was the assist king
last season in the Premier League but has
been a peripheral figure during his club’s slide
down the table.
His was a delightful dink over the England
defence, however, for Super Mario Gaspar to
send his wonder-goal past Joe Hart.
Super Mario
Opener: Gaspar gives Spain the lead
Mario Gaspar looks a bit special for Spain.
The Villarreal right-back’s goal was his second
in as many games for Spain after his goal on
his debut against Ukraine.
He is more than decent defensively however,
and he could well have made a few clubs take
notice of his abilities with this performance.
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