ENGLAND 2, SPAIN 2
Manager-in-waiting Gareth Southgate experienced the harsh realities of playing one of the world’s top teams and must still be wondering how his side failed to beat Spain at Wembley.
Two goals ahead in the 89th minute, caretaker manager Southgate would be forgiven for thinking it was game, set and match to England after they produced an impressive display capped by goals for Adam Lallana and Jamie Vardy.
When Spain halved the deficit through Iago Aspas, it appeared little more than a consolation.
However, in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time there was a sting in the tail as Real Madrid’s Isco slotted home the equaliser through the legs of substitute keeper Tom Heaton.
There was barely time to kick off again as the final whistle sounded on what had been a compelling game that in many respects was far from the normal friendly.
That was borne out by six bookings – how often do you see that many cautions in a friendly – as there were some brutal challenges from both sides.
But, despite the late lapses, there was plenty of positives for Southgate to take from the game, even though it felt like a defeat.
Southgate said: “It feels like a defeat for the players, but I am proud of the players as it was a healthy and positive performance.
“Over the four games, the players could not have given me more.”
Southgate added his strategy against Spain was to play on the front foot and press high.
“If we we lost I wanted us to be brave. We did well, but paid a price as the game went on. They are a top side and in the last 20 minutes fatigue set in,” he explained.
Southgate added the players are “bullish” knowing they have the potential to play that way long term.
He refused to discuss his future saying it ought to be done in private.
Of his four games as caretaker, Southgate said: “This has been a brilliant experience and I have enjoyed working with the players and see the potential of the group.
“When I took over, I was looking to bring stability and have done that and provided a platform to move forward.
“I am proud to have led the country for a couple of very important games. There is a lot of potential in this group, but there is a long way to go before we can be considered a top team.”
Southgate made only three changes from the side that kicked off against Scotland on Friday.
Wayne Rooney was ruled out through injury while Kyle Walker and Daniel Sturridge dropped down to the bench.
Into the side came Nathaniel Clyne at right back, Jesse Lingard into the three behind striker Jamie Vardy.
Spain, captained by Manchester City’s David Silva, also included Juan Mata, Cesar Azpilicueta and Jose Reina who have all starred in the Premier League.
And on the bench were England-based David De Gea, Ander Herrera, Nolito and Nacho Monreal.
Vardy escaped with a lecture from Romanian referee Ovidiu Alin Hategan after a nasty challenge on Azpilicueta, Had the official seen the slow motion replays, he could easily have been sent off.
As it was Vardy remained on he field and earned England an eighth minute penalty when he burst through on goal to be brought down by Reina.
Lallana fired the spot kick high into the net for his third goal for England in his 29th full cap.
England were forced into the first of six permitted changes after 25 minutes when Lallana limped off after picking up a knock as he was replaced by Theo Walcott.
Southgate made two changes at the break as Joe Hart and Gary Cahill were replaced by Heaton and Phil Jagielka.
And within three minutes England had doubled their advantage through a spectacular diving header from Vardy who got in-between two defenders to convert Jordan Henderson’s cross from the right of the box for his fifth goal for England.
It might have been 3-0 minutes later when Vardy broke and released Walcott who was denied by a super stop by Reina. Henderson, following up, pulled his shot wide.
Spain’s first clear-cut chance of the game came after 56 minutes when Silva’s shot was beaten away by Heaton and Koke, following up, saw his effort blocked by Clyne.
Spain brought on Herrera for his first cap for his country while midway through the second period Andros Townsend replaced Raheem Sterling.
England made their sixth and final chance with 23 minutes left when Vardy made way for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford.
Heaton was called into action again diving low to his right to keep out a shot from Alvaro Morata.
There was an even better save from Heaton not long after when he spread himself superby to block a shot from Morato who was clean through on goal.
Spain halved the deficit in the 89th minute after a switft counter attack ended with Aspas cutting in from the right an curling in an exquisite shot off the far upright to give them hope of staving off defeat, especially as there was five minutes of added time to play.
And it was heart in the mouths time when Isco had a shot deflected for a corner.
Spain sensed the game was not lost, and so it proved as they equalised with almost the last kick of the game.
The ball was played in from the right for Isco to ran on to the pass and, from a tight angle six yards out, managed to squeeze the ball through the legs of keeper Heaton.