The International Break is usually a very hard time for football fans as club football takes a break but certain International games attract a lot of viewership and such was this game between Spain and England at Alicante on Friday. This was just a friendly game and Spain ran out 2-0 winners at the end thanks to goals from Cazorla and Mario Gaspar.
Here are the player ratings for the game.
Spain:
Iker Casillas (3): Was largely un-troubled in his 165th International appearance for his country.
Mario Gaspar (3): Left space on the flanks when in attack but his sumptuous volley gave his side the lead.
Marc Bartra (3.5): Was excellent in possession but was caught out of position when England were on the counter.
Gerard Pique (3.5): Stuck to his task well giving the English attackers no space in front of goal.
Jordi Alba (3.5): A sound and excellent display as he provided width down his flank and also pinned down the likes of Lallana and Walker.
Sergio Busquets (3.5): Provided great cover for the back four as he was dominant in the air and with the ball at his feet.
Cesc Fabregas (3): Was his usual self finding pockets of space and searching for the defense breaking ball from the mid-field.
Andres Iniesta (3.5): Showed his class in the first half as he controlled the tempo of the game spraying balls to both his wingers.
Thiago Alacantra (3): Was smart in possession in the middle but picked up an injury in the 25th minute to be replaced by Cazorla.
Paco Alcacer (3.5): Showed great energy up front as he often pressed the English side giving them no time to play from the back.
Diego Costa (3): Played with his usual energy and almost scored with a curling shot.
SUBS:
Azpilicueta (2.5)
Mata (3)
Cazorla (3.5): Scored the winner and also played some good football in the middle of the field.
Pedro (2.5)
Koke (2.5)
Nolito (3.5)
England:
Joe Hart (2.5): Was not tested in the first half but was slightly at fault for Cazorla’s winner.
Kyle Walker (3): Was hardly an attacking threat thanks to Alba’s runs down his flanks but was able to keep him quite with a solid defensive performance.
Phil Jones (3): Was excellent against the likes of Costa giving him no space and time in the final third.
Chris Smalling (3): Exceptional in defense giving Spain no time on the ball. Could have done better to stop the first goal.
Ryan Bertrand (3): A good display by the left back doing no harm for his chances at a place in the Euro 2016.
Michael Carrick (3): Played an important role in front of the defense in breaking up play but picked up an injury and was carried off on a stretcher.
Fabian Delph (3): Was hardly able to go forward due to Spain’s dominance but was able to test Casillas with a fine shot in the first half.
Adam Lallana (2.5): Started off well but was not able to hold the ball up and provide his team the kind of a performance needed to test their Spanish opponents.
Ross Barkley (3.5): The brightest star for England as he tried to take on the Spain’s defense every chance he got. Was also strong on the ball.
Raheem Sterling (2.5): His pace provided England with an outlet down the flank but the youngster was wasteful after he got himself into good positions.
Harry Kane (3): Was starved of service up front as he looked frustrated. Took loads of shots but never troubled the keeper.
SUBS:
G Cahill (2.5)
E Dier (2.5)
J Shelvey (2.5)
D Alli (2.5)