What’s Hot and What’s Not as England throw away two-goal lead against Spain

NOT – Wayne Rooney

Rooney was absent from the starting eleven against Spain, and you feel that it could be a sign of things to come.

This was comfortably England’s best performance since Southgate took temporary charge, and it was without their captain and record goalscorer, albeit due to injury.

Yes, he still brings much-needed experience to the squad, as was evidenced in the lethargic draw in Slovenia, a game Rooney came on in and England immediately looked better, but the team showed last night that they might be better off without the Manchester United man in the side.

When England are at their best, they are energetic, pacey, and press high, they show urgency – is that Rooney’s game nowadays? Probably not.