Spain have sprung something of a surprise by naming a wingerless 4-4-2 formation for tonight’s friendly against England in Alicante.
The back five pick themselves, starting with Iker Casillas, Mario Gaspar and Jordi Alba at full-back and Barcelona teammates Marc Bartra and Gerard Pique partnering each other in central defence following Sergio Ramos’ shoulder injury.
However, it is in midfield where the selections have come under scrutiny on social media as Cesc Fabregas and Andres Iniesta take up the wide berths and are complemented by Sergio Busquets and Thiago Alcantara through the middle.
Consequently, a two-man strike force sees Paco Alcacer and Diego Costa paired together after being trialled in training.
England, meanwhile, are without captain Wayne Rooney and reported Real Madrid target Jamie Vardy but still go with an XI boasting the likes of Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane in attack.
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Spain: Casillas; Mario, Bartra, Pique, Alba; Cesc, Busquets, Thiago, Iniesta; Alcacer, Costa
Subs: De Gea, Rico, De Marcos, Nacho, Azpilicueta, San Jose, Cazorla, Koke, Pedro, Mata, Morata, Isco, Nolito
England: Hart; Walker, Smalling, Jones, Bertrand; Carrick, Delph; Sterling, Barkley, Lallana; Kane
Subs: Butland, Heaton, Clyne, Stones, Dier, Cahill, Gibbs, Shelvey, Alli, Rooney
Referee: Mazzoleni [ITA]
