UEFA Nations League

[monks data]

Nations League | League Phase

Oct 15, 2018 at 7.45pm UK

Spain
2-3
England

Alcacer (58'), Ramos (90')

FT(HT: 0-3)

Sterling (16', 38'), Rashford (30')

How England could line up against Spain

By Barney Corkhill, Editor

Published: October 13 2018 | 19:12

Last updated: October 21 2018 | 09:42

Sports Mole looks at how England could line up for Monday night's UEFA Nations League showdown with group leaders Spain in Seville.

England will be bidding to keep their UEFA Nations League hopes alive when they visit Seville to face Spain at the Estadio Benito Villamarin on Monday evening.

Gareth Southgate's side squandered a number of chances on their way to a quiet goalless draw with Croatia on Friday night, leaving both World Cup semi-finalists five points adrift of the perfect Spain in Group A4.

The threat of relegation could loom should England fail to exact revenge for their 2-1 defeat at Wembley last month, but the odds will be against Southgate's inexperienced side.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how they could line up in Seville.

Out: Jordan Henderson, John Stones (both suspended)
Doubtful: None

Southgate switched to four at the back for the first time in a year against Croatia, and one of the biggest decisions to make will be whether to stick with that system or revert to his 3-1-4-2 formation.

Suspensions for John Stones and Jordan Henderson - both of whom picked up yellow cards against Croatia - may tilt the balance in favour of the four-man defence, although Southgate does have options at the back with Kyle Walker and Joe Gomez able to play in the middle along with Harry Maguire.

Lewis Dunk is another alternative as he waits for his England debut - one of five remaining uncapped players in the squad along with Marcus Bettinelli, Nathaniel Chalobah, James Maddison and Mason Mount.

Maddison's form this season makes him the most likely to make a full debut from that quintet, and a change back to the World Cup formation would appear to boost his chances of starting.

Jadon Sancho made his debut against Croatia, impressing off the bench, although he could be a victim of the change of formation should Southgate revert to three at the back.

> Click here to see how Spain could line up for this fixture