A late Danny Welbeck gave England a point as they secured an unexpected and largely undeserved draw against Spain in their opening European Under-21 Championship match. The Manchester United striker turned in the box and shot side-footed past probably future team-mate David de Gea as Stuart Pearce's men pegged back the superior Spanish side. Welbeck appeared to be offside, but that can be considered justice for what looked like handball as Spain scored the opener. Ander Herrera scored from about a yard out from Javi Martinez's cross, but seemed to turn the ball in with his hand. Despite the controversies of both goals, Spain will certainly be more disappointed with the draw than England. They controlled the game for large periods, packing their midfield and bossing the Three Lions with a crisp, short passing game reminiscent of the Spain senior squad. But their inability to turn their significant stranglehold on possession into a second goal eventually came back to haunt them. Pearce had shown some awareness of what was to come by playing centre-back Michael Mancienne in a holding midfield role to combat Spain's free-flowing attacks. The decision didn't pay off though, with the Wolves man and his midfield partner Jordan Henderson struggled to get close to their opponents. Spain's 13th-minute opener was thoroughly deserved as they dominated the opening period. Captain Martinez won an initial header in the box, which Herrara connected with to convert. Although television replays did not conclusively show a handball, it did appear an arm was used. Despite being outclassed for the opening 45 minutes, England almost nicked an equaliser on half-time as Daniel Sturridge's effort was tipped away by De Gea. Spain again had the better of the play after the break. But they were caught cold when the impressive Kyle Walker broke forward. He found Welbeck who coolly swivelled and found the net. England now face the Czech Republic and Ukraine in their remaining group matches.
Kyle Walker was Englands best player. Mancienne and Henderson were truly terrible and I reckon Pierce will consider starting Lansbury and Rodwell for our next game. Welbeck and Sturridge chipped away all game, but I wouldn't mind giving Wickham a go up front if he is fully fit.
We should play this formation in next game Fielding Walker Smalling Jones Bertrand Rodwell Albrighton Cleverly Sinclair Sturridge Welbeck Cleverly needs to be played centraly and given the role to dictate play and be creative rather than be chucked out on the wing where hes a lot less effective
A bit too harsh on England, I thought. Spain looked the better team, but not by that much. Spain dominated the first and last quarters of the game, but England looked like the better team in the middle (though not as clearly). Hopeful signs from England were that they were playing some pretty decent one touch football themselves for various stretches, and they were able to pressure Spain into turnovers fairly often, a result of determination, quickness and the fact that the Spanish young players aren't Xavi and Iniesta, at least not yet. On the other hand, they lacked the nerve to play from the back very often. The keeper hoofed it for the most part. When they did pass it from the back, they did reasonably well, and added considerably to their possession time. So on balance I was pleased the English team looked competitive with the Spanish (unlike the senior team), and that they're playing a more possession-oriented game. I agree about Mancienne and Henderson. In terms of the draw being undeserved, I'm not so sure. England had at least as many good chances. And Spain's control of the ball was a little misleading, since so much of it was by backpassing when threatened.
