Gareth Southgate's side embarked on a rousing run to the semi-finals in Russia and subsequently go into this weekend's match ranked three places higher than their opponents in the latest FIFA standings.

The majority of the Three Lions' World Cup heroes could feature once again when Spain come to town for their opening match of the brand new UEFA Nations League.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how England could line up for the match.

The main change from the squad which did so well in Russia sees Luke Shaw rewarded for his bright start to the season by replacing Manchester United teammate Ashley Young, and the left-back is expected to hold off competition from Danny Rose to start.

Uncapped duo Alex McCarthy and Marcus Bettinelli have both been called up and will be hopeful of winning a first cap in one of the two upcoming matches, but Jordan Pickford was one of the standout performers at the World Cup and will start again against Spain.

The likes of Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold and James Tarkowski have all made good starts to the campaign too, but the quartet of John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier performed so well at the World Cup that they are likely to keep their places.

Raheem Sterling's withdrawal from the squad due to injury, coupled with Jamie Vardy's semi-retirement, leaves Marcus Rashford as the most likely option to partner captain and World Cup Golden Boot winner Harry Kane up front should Southgate continue with his 3-5-2 formation.

Jordan Henderson's lack of football at Liverpool should not prevent him from resuming his role as the pivot, with Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard playing a little further forward.