The youngest English national team in 59 years was capable of destroying Spain in just the first half of the match. From the line-up showed yesterday, only Trippier was more than 25 years old, and players such as Gomez, Barkley or Winks were shining during the whole match.
Precisely, the two midfielders plus Dier made something unusual when playing against such strong opposition, being dynamic in the passing and making a pressure so high to provoke many mistakes from the rivals. Certainly, it may be the definitive assertion on the new idea of Southgate for playing with the 4-3-3, and if finally Barkley and Winks play with continuity in their clubs, they can integrate an impressive midfield for many years.
Although the whole English team deserves to be remembered for such a feat, the three forwards were indeed the stars in Sevilla. Thus, Sterling scored twice, and his quickness was a nightmare for the Spanish defenders, Rashford beat De Gea and also gave an assist in the first goal. And Kane didn't score, but his match was such a master performance in how a striker needs to adapt in every moment of the game that he was probably was the best player on the pitch.
A bright future for England
In spite of the victory, it looks almost impossible that The Three Lions reach the next summer finals. For doing so, they must beat Croatia as long as Spain doesn't win as a visitor against the World Cup finalists.
Anyway, that shouldn't be the point for Southgate's team, now integrated for many young players who perhaps will reach their peak in four or six years. If they can keep improving in this way, surely they will be one of the strongest teams in 2022.
On the other hand, the Spanish press media is being criticized for the excess of triumphalism that was surrounding the national team.
Yesterday, the Spanish players weren't pressing their rivals as they did in the last matches and therefore their defenders were too exposed against Sterling, Rashford, and Kane. However, it could be a future lesson for Luis Enrique' squad.
Ireland vs. Wales
Currently, Denmark is leading the group, and while Wales could be happy earning a point as a visitor, Ireland needs a victory to keep fighting for the promotion.
For the British, the bad news is that Gareth Bale, who scored an astonishing goal against Ireland during the last month, won't play tonight due to an injury.
On the other groups, the most attractive match will be played in Paris between France and Germany, the two last World Cup Winners. While the locals are still feeling the vibe after triumphing in Russia, Low's team is going through a delicate situation.
Certainly, the German press media is talking about possible destitution of the manager if his team lose again after being defeated by the Netherlands just a few days ago. And after 12 years coaching the team with many successful tournaments, it may be the time for him to say farewell to a glorious age in German history.
