England got their UEFA Nation’s League campaign off to a losing start on Saturday, with the Three Lions losing 2-1 to Spain in their first competitive defeat at Wembley since a Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia in November 2007.
Gareth Southgate gave a start to Marcus Rashford, a player currently struggling to make his mark with Manchester United this season.
The striker marked his appearance with the opening goal of the game coming on 11 minutes via a superb assist from United team-mate Luke Shaw.
However, Luis Enrique’s Spain side impressed throughout and drew level just two minutes later, with the superb Saul Niguez scoring courtesy of a crisp finish from inside the box.
The Three Lions struggled to match their opponents’ trademark slick passing, and found themselves being just after the half-hour mark when Valencia attacker Rodrigo Moreno scored after a free-kick.
The hosts did almost get one back soon after, only for Rashford to be denied by a superb save from David Gea.
After the break, Luke Shaw departed the pitch on a stretcher after a dreadful collision with Dani Carvajal.
England pushed for a leveler as the half wore on, and late on, sub Danny Welbeck thought he had made it 2-2, only for the goal to be harshly ruled out for a foul.
The game would end in defeat for England, who were deservedly beaten by their technically superior opponents.
As in the World Cup in the summer, Southgate’s side is missing creativity and real quality in midfield, with few obvious answers available for the England boss, at least in the near future.