Spain begins Enrique reigns with victory in England

LONDON (Reuters) – Spain has entered a new era under the leadership of Luis Enrique.

Eight weeks after the end of the memorable World Cup semi-finals, England's optimism seemed justified as Marcus Rashford opened the scoring after 11 minutes.

But Spain, with only five of the players who started their last defeat against Russia at the World Cup World Cup in the round of 32, replied before half-time by Saul Niguez and Rodrigo.

The second half was overshadowed by an unpleasant injury suffered by former England defender Luke Shaw, who needed prolonged treatment after a head injury.

Spain threatened to extend its lead as it dominated possession, but England finished strong with Rashford, who lost a good chance to equalize when he shot David de Gea and the substitute's goal Danny Welbeck was refused.

The defeat of England was the first of its last 25 meetings at Wembley.

England and Spain will also face Croatia, second in the world, in group 4 of the A League of the new UEFA tournament to add spice to the international calendar.

The mood was awaiting 81,000 spectators as the match began following the presentation of the World Cup trophy to captain Harry Kane by British coach Gareth Southgate.

England responded in the 11th minute with a goal of remarkable quality and a goal that says a lot about the football brand that Southgate is trying to establish.

England played the ball to Kane, who then found the marauder left. Rashford then managed to pass in front of his Manchester United teammate, De Gea.

Local fans were still buzzing when Spain equalized two minutes later after an incisive move – Saul Niguez beat Jordan Pickford after being reduced to the score by Thiago Alcantara.

The easy style of Spain began to break through in England as Isco, Alcantara and Saul Niguez began to get noticed.

England started chasing the shadows and when Kieran Trippier hit Marcos Alonso in the 32nd minute, the resulting free kick from Alcantara caught up with home defensive defense.

De Gea made a stunt stop against Rashford a second goal soon after, but Spain finished halftime in the lead.

England was forced to change early in the second period after a disgusting clash of heads left Shaw needing seven minutes of treatment by a group of doctors before being removed from the field on a stretcher. Danny Rose came to replace him.

The incident silenced the crowd and seemed to distract the hosts whose negligence prompted Spanish pressure.

England resisted the storm and with Spain just staying out, they were slow to get a tying goal and Welbeck should have come home after De Gea's fumbles.

There was a lot to ponder for Southgate who has now seen his team lose three games in a row against Croatia, Belgium and now Spain – evidence that it's still about time and time again. 39, a work in progress.