England v Spain preview: Gareth Southgate prepares for final game as interim boss

By Gerard Brand

Image: Gareth Southgate is preparing for his final game as England interim manager

England face Spain at Wembley on Tuesday in Gareth Southgate's final match in interim charge of the national team.

The 46-year-old is the hot bookmakers' favourite for the job, made vacant by Sam Allardyce in September, and tightened his grip with a 3-0 win over Scotland on Friday night.

Southgate has called on the Football Association to decide whether they want him to carry on as England boss within a month.

Sky Sports News HQ's Andy Burton and Chief Football Reporter Nick Collins talk about the England issues ahead of their friendly against Spain

It was confirmed on Monday that England captain Wayne Rooney would not start the game following his absence from training due to a "minor issue". 

Meanwhile, Spain are unbeaten under new coach Julen Lopetegui, scoring 17 goals and conceding just once in his five games in charge.

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Image: Adam Lallana celebrates his goal against Scotland on Friday night

They saw off Macedonia 4-0 on Saturday in World Cup qualifying and sit top of Group G after four games.

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Alongside Rooney, Ryan Bertrand also missed England training on Monday morning for "minor issues", while Harry Kane was released from the squad on Sunday to continue his recovery from an ankle injury. No replacement has been called up for the Tottenham striker.

Southgate confirms Jordan Henderson will captain England against Spain on Tuesday

Reports in the national newspapers suggest Southgate will make three changes to the side that beat Scotland 3-0 on Friday with Jesse Lingard, Jamie Vardy and Nathaniel Clyne coming into the starting line-up in place of Rooney. Daniel Sturridge and Kyle Walker.

Image: Daniel Sturridge wheels away following his opening goal against Scotland

Aritz Aduriz, the 35-year-old striker who came off the bench to score on Saturday, could start for Spain, who lost Diego Costa to injury last week.

Koke and Thiago Alcantara are likely to join Sergio Busquets in midfield, while Nacho Monreal could come in for Cesar Azpilicueta.

Image: Spain beat Macedonia 4-0 on Saturday night in World Cup Qualifying Group G

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England have lost just two of their last 15 friendly games (W9 D4 L2) and just one of their last six.

England have won seven and lost just once in their last eight friendly games on home soil (1-2 v Netherlands in March), scoring in all eight games and shipping just four goals in total.

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England have lost four of their last five international clashes with Spain, winning once in that period, 1-0 at Wembley in November 2011.

England have failed to find the back of the net in four of those five games, with Frank Lampard's winner in 2011 their only goal in that time.

Highlights: England 3-0 Scotland

Including this fixture, each of England's last seven meetings with Spain have been friendlies, with their last competitive clash coming in England's Euro 1996 quarter-final shoot-out win.

On home soil, England have won seven of their nine meetings with the Spanish, although their two defeats have come in the last four home games.

Southgate praises Daniel Sturridge's 'excellent mentality', insisting he has a lot to offer
Southgate praises Daniel Sturridge's 'excellent mentality', insisting he has a lot to offer

Thirty-six players from Spain have appeared in the Premier League so far this season, second only to English players (143).

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