England XI vs Spain decided as Declan Rice replaced and Trent Alexander-Arnold starts

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Luis de la Fuente's side won the Nations League in 2023 and then beat England in the final of Euro 2024, which was also the last time these two nations faced off.Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions are looking to bounce back after finishing third in the World Cup, beating France in a thrilling play-off days after losing to Argentina in the semi-finals. In defence, Lewis Hall is England’s best natural left-back over Nico O’Reilly, who mostly plays as a midfielder for Man City.It would be a bold call for Trent Alexander-Arnold to start immediately given his England exile under Tuchel.

So Ezri Konsa goes out to right-back and Jarrad Branthwaite is rewarded for his excellent Everton form.Pickford; Konsa, Guehi, Branthwaite, Hall; Anderson, Scott, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, GordonAmos MurphyThe good news for Thomas Tuchel is he doesn't really have a choice but to go full strength. Perhaps Lewis Hall comes in at left-back, but Djed Spence seems a sensible pick at right-back.In the absence of Declan Rice, Alex Scott could be in line for a senior debut, but the likes of Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka, and Harry Kane will all be involved... at least you'd hope so.Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, Hall; Anderson, Scott, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, GordonArchie GriggsA win over the reigning world champions at Wembley would salvage some much-needed pride for England, with the pain of their World Cup exit at the hands of Argentina still fresh in the memory.Tuchel should, therefore, avoid the temptation to experiment with the line-up and simply name his strongest available team.

Even though Konsa would be playing out of position, he is tried and tested for England whereas Alexander-Arnold is usually hit-and-miss at international level.This would also see Jarrad Branthwaite, who has only been capped once before, handed an opportunity to impress in the middle of England's back four.In midfield, Alex Scott should start alongside Elliot Anderson, while a frightening front three of Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane will be tasked with terrorising Spain's defenders.Pickford; Konsa, Guehi, Branthwaite, O'Reilly; Anderson, Scott, Bellingham; Saka, Gordon, KaneJack McEachenThere will be time to experiment over this international break, but Spain is the chance for Tuchel to make his first real statement after disappointment at the World Cup.And what better opportunity than against the reigning world champions?Most of the back four picks itself, but Thomas Tuchel has extended an olive branch to Trent Alexander-Arnold and he will be desperate to prove himself against a Spanish audience yet to see the best of him. Why pick a makeshift in Ezri Konsa or Jarrel Quansah when the best right-back in the world is available?I would like to see Myles Lewis-Skelly get a chance in midfield.