Harry Kane
Harry Kane to be handed starting role against Spain Getty

Spain host England in an international friendly on Friday (13 November) as the defending European Champions look to gather steam ahead of a third consecutive charge for the title. They were badly humiliated in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, when they crashed out of the group stages. Meanwhile, with a host of new players to try out, Roy Hodgson, would want to give some of them a chance to know who he would want to take to France.

Where to watch live

Kick-off is set for 8pm BST. Live coverage of the game will be on ITV and ITV HD.

Overview

Spain have announced their return to the international arena with aplomb, having secured eight consecutive wins in the European qualifiers since their loss to Slovenia last October. La Roja, who have been so accustomed to being on top of the Fifa rankings over the last few years find themselves currently on sixth spot behind Belgium, Germany, Argentina, Portugal and Chile, owing to their horrendous performance in the World Cup last year.

However, Vincente del Bosque will be worried by the lack of form some of his players are going through, especially Cesc Fabregas and Pedro, who are struggling for Chelsea. This could open up a chance for other players like Thiago Alcantara and Nolito, who are looking to prove their worth at the international level. At the back, Jordi Alba and Gerard Pique are expected to keep their place, while the other two positions are up for grabs.

On the other hand, Roy Hodgson has an interesting dilemma at hand, with a host of young players making themselves available this season. Ross Barkley, Eric Dier, Harry Kane are all in great form and could be tested against the defending champions.

However, the Three Lions are short in their attacking options, with Theo Walcott, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jamie Vardy all unavailable for the fixture. Vardy picked up an injury in Leicester's last game before the international break, in which he scored from the spot to make it nine consecutive games. Jack Wilshere, who has been going places with England in recent years, has also been ruled out with a broken foot.

What managers say

Vincente del Bosque: "They lack slightly a bit of organisation to be a great team. Individually, they have great players so if they get a little bit more organised they will be a very strong team, as they have been in the classification stage, winning all their games."

Roy Hodgson: "I feel like the future is incredibly bright for a player like Ross. Every time he has come to us, we think he is a bit better. He's an attacking midfield player and he has played that role before off a centre-forward. It's nothing new to him and it's a job we think he can do."

Betting odds (888Sport)

  • Spain to win: 3/4
  • Draw: 5/2
  • England to win: 39/10

Team news

Spain

Possible XI: De Gea; Mario, Pique, Nacho, Alba; Thiago, Cazorla, Koke; Isco, Morata, Nolito.

England

Possible XI: Hart; Clyne, Cahill, Smalling, Bertrand; Carrick, Shelvey; Lallana, Barkley, Sterling; Kane.

Spain England