In a group integrated by Croatia and Spain, it was always going to be hard for England to finish on top considering the quality of their opponents. However, perhaps no one expected the flying start that Spain managed. The team destroyed the World Cup runners-up by an astonishing 6-0 just a few days later, to triumph at Wembley.
Thus, Luis Enrique's team will reach the next summer finals if they are capable of beating England today. On the other hand, the visitors equalized against Croatia and need a victory in Sevilla. Surely it won't be easy for Southgate's squad, considering that Spain has not lost a match in 90 minutes for more than two years.
Apart from that, it seems that England will display again the 4-3-3 formation they did last Friday, and Harry Winks could enter in the team alongside Dier and Barkley. In doing so, Southgate wants to reinforce the midfield in order to avoid a Spanish possession monologue as it happened during the first half at Wembley.
The finals and the relegation
In spite of England needing two victories and some favourable results to end up reaching the next summer tournament, at least they could find some relief if they don't drop down to the second division. In fact, the UEFA Nations League is actually a success because the top teams might face each other in order to improve, and nevertheless, England would face weaker teams if they got relegated.
Anyway, the Three Lions may regret their lack of effectiveness during the last week match in Croatia. In an almost empty stadium where most of the English supporters were among the trees viewing their team, Rashford could have easily earnt a victory for the visitors but he missed two clear chances.
On the other hand, there was some positive news for Southgate, who saw Chilwell and Sancho making a good performance and giving him more credit for giving opportunities to the youngsters.
The decline of Germany
Being considered among the favourites to triumph at the last World Cup, it was indeed shocking how Low's team exited as the last of their group after being defeated by Mexico and Korea. Unfortunately for them, they are not showing signs of recovery and they were thrashed 3-0 by the Netherlands.
Apparently, the successful German manager will probably be sacked if his team loses against France tomorrow.
Since 2006 through to 2017, they had reached at least the semifinals in all the tournaments disputed, but currently, they look like a shadow of that immense team.
Moreover, Italy still has a chance to progress after defeating Poland in the last minute. Meanwhile, Russia is keeping their rise which started at the last World Cup and they are close to getting promoted. And today, Iceland will go down if they don't defeat Switzerland.
