England analysis: Adam Lallana stars as Gareth Southgate's Three Lions impress until frantic Wembley finish vs Spain

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Tom Collomosse16 November 2016

England were caught cold by a late Spain comeback in Tuesday's 2-2 draw, but a positive performance at the end of a turbulent year will have only strengthened Gareth Southgate's grip on the manager's job.

Adam Lallana's early penalty and the end of Jamie Vardy's goal drought had brought a smile to those inside a sold-out Wembley, producing football which will have pleased those in the top echelons of the Football Association.

Many inside Wembley applauded Liverpool flop Iago Aspas' stunning 90th-minute strike, but the overriding feeling was dejection as substitute Isco slotted a last-gasp equaliser.

Standard Sport's Tom Collomosse was at Wembley to assess the key talking points...

Lallana the star

(Getty Images)
Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Whoever is the next England manager, it is highly probable that Adam Lallana will be a key man for him.

The Liverpool man produced a superb pass for Jamie Vardy early on, scored the penalty when Vardy was fouled, and was at the heart of everything England did.

It was just a shame that his contribution was so brief: after 24 minutes, Lallana was fouled by Thiago Alcantara and had to be substituted. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will be anxious.

Counter-attacking success

There is no point trying to play Spain at their own game. To Gareth Southgate’s credit, he recognised this and designed his team accordingly.

At different stages of the first half, the plan worked brilliantly. England would win the ball back and send it forward quickly, allowing Jamie Vardy and Raheem Sterling to trouble the Spanish defence with their speed.

Against the stronger teams in Europe, this may be the way for England to go.

Players back Southgate

(AFP/Getty Images)
Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images

This was a performance from a group of players who back their manager. England were energetic, committed and followed Southgate’s instructions to perfection.

If any of Southgate’s employers are still wavering about handing him the job permanently, he should simply show them the film of his players’ work in the first hour of this game.

Yes, it was only a friendly and yes, Spain were without a number of key players. But England’s display was still a big tick in the box for Southgate.

Two sides to Spain

(AFP/Getty Images)
Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

At first, Spain appeared barely interested in the match - and they looked surprised by the ferocity of some of England’s tackling, with two challenges from Theo Walcott and Raheem Sterling particularly robust.

This was not the Spain we had seen for many years: their build-up play was too slow and their defending dreadful at times.

Yet in the final 25 minutes, the visitors were a different animal, showing skill, determination and class.

That was the real Spain – and it was still too good for England.

Sterling shows value – but we still need more

AFP/Getty Images

Raheem Sterling produced some fabulous moments, especially when he switched to the left during the first half. Two delightful crosses came so close to producing a goal.

As well as he played, though, it pays to remember that this was a game of scant importance. To take the next step up, Sterling needs to produce a match-defining performance in a season-defining game.

Perhaps Manchester City’s clash with his former club Liverpool, on New Year’s Eve, will be his time.

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