England take on world champions Spain in a pulsating friendly at Wembley on Saturday. This is the first of two friendlies in the week for Fabio Capello’s men, as they travel to Stockholm following this game to face Sweden.
Frank Lampard will lead his side out for the first time at Wembley, and he has described it as “his proudest moment in an England shirt.”
This after regular captain John Terry was demoted to the bench following claims of racism against the Chelsea defender. Vice captain Steven Gerrard is also out, while Rio Ferdinand has not made the squad.
Joleon Lescott is set to partner Gary Cahill at the heart of the English backline, after Phil Jagielka failed to recover from a toe injury.
Kyle Walker is set to make his debut at right back, while Manchester United centre-half Phil Jones will play in midfield alongside Lampard, Scott Parker, Stewart Downing and Theo Walcott.
Darrent Bent will lead a one-man attack as Capello tries to find a replacement for Wayne Rooney at next year’s European championships, for which the latter is suspended after picking up a red card in the qualifying game against Montenegro.
Probable England line-up: Hart, Walker, Lescott, Cahill, Ashley Cole, Parker, Lampard (C), Jones, Walcott, Downing, Bent.
Manager: Fabio Capello
Spain, on the other hand have a well-established side and are inarguably the team to beat at the moment.
Goalkeeper Iker Casillas, if selected, will break Andoni Zubizarretta’s record of 125 Spanish caps and will become the most-capped Spanish player ever.
Chelsea duo Fernando Torres and Juan Mata are both set to make the bench, while Manchester City midfielder David Silva looks set to start.
Albeit a friendly, Vicente Del Bosque is set to field a very attacking side for this one, as Spain look to continue their impressive recent form against England.
Left-back Jordi Alba looks likely to win his 2nd cap.
Probable Spain line-up: Casillas, Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Alba, Xabi Alonso, Busquets, Silva, Xavi, Iniesta, Villa.
Manager: Vicente Del Bosque
Last meeting: The last meeting between the two sides was at Old Trafford in 2007, where Spain ran out 1-0 winners, thanks to a fantastic second half goal from Andres Iniesta.
Prediction: England are at home, but Spain look way too strong for them. There might be a goal in it for the Three Lions, but the Spaniards should run out comfortable winners.
England 1-3 Spain
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