It’s fair to say that the fortunes of both sides have somewhat differed in recent years, despite that, England and Spain can perhaps see themselves on somewhat of an even keel after both dropping out of the last major tournament with an embarrassing whimper.
At least that is our logic.
To be truthful England’s up and coming fixture with the current European champions is set to be a hard slog for much of Hodgson’s men. Vardy or no Vardy.
To get you in the mood for the big match, here’s five of the most epic clashes between the two countries.
Fun fact: England claimed a 7 win streak from 1960-80 against their opponents. And as we all know, that in fact is ‘the real quiz’.
1982 – World Cup – 0-0
Given the strikers accolades, it seems quite absurd that England fans’ memories of the 1982 tournament are focused on the beautifully permed one’s last gasp miss.
Fact is Kevin Keegan only played 26 minutes of his countries entire campaign after being struck down by a back injury just prior. Not only that, football had really seen the best out of the former Hamburg and Liverpool talisman as at 31 Keegan was now plying his trade for Southampton.
That didn’t stop Ron Greenwood from throwing his star man on for the remaining minutes of England’s must win fixture against hosts Spain. One goal would have saw them qualify from the second stage group. And if it hit the back of the net it ….it would have been oh so glorious.
At least we’ve learnt from foolishly pinning our hopes on the talent of an individual to see us through in major tournaments*
*we haven’t
1996 – European Championships Quarter Final – 0-0 (England win on penalties)
It really had been 19 years since England truly felt like the home of football.
Yes, Euro 1996 still lives in infamy as a major tournament that England in no way embarrassed themselves at. After storming the group stage, with the Netherlands and Scotland trailing in their wake, came the stern test of a well drilled Spain side.
After a heard rendering 0-0 came the old ‘hear we go again’ emotional sucker punch of penalties.
This time however it would be England that had the last laugh as David Seaman beat away a final Nadal spot kick.
All of course before the semi final in which the universe re-aligned it self once again.
2011 – Friendly – England 1-0 Spain
Given the way Spain had marched to a sensational World Cup win just a year prior, England could be forgiven for positively wetting their pants at the prospect of Xavi, Iniesta and co running train over a beleaguered group of players.
Seemingly knowing this full well, Fabio Capello opted to nullify Spain’s ranks of attacking menace by understandably parking a big fat bus right in front of their opponents.
It in fact worked a treat as Frank Lampard’s 49th minute snatch and grab winner from close range gave England, despite some heavily increased pressure via close efforts from Villa and Fabregas, a hard earned Wembley victory.
2001 – Friendly – England 3-0 Spain
Far from becoming the world beaters it would take them nine years to become, Spain came to Villa Park with some stellar names to challenge an England side being led for the first time by Sven Goran Eriksson.
Guardiola, Mendieta, Raul, and Luis Enrique were slightly taken aback when Michael Ball, Ugo Ehiogu and Chris Powell all managed to keep the Spanish front line at bay.
The Three Lions eventually ran out surprise 3-0 winners, giving the sides brand new Swedish boss the impression that coaching an England side was nothing more than a walk in the park.
To be fair for a good while it seemed that way as Germany were served up a shellacking soon after on ‘that famous night’ in Munich.
2004 Friendly (or should we say ‘Friendly’) England 0-1 Spain
By far the most fiery of the two sides meetings happened to be a friendly, a celebration of Spain’s 500th international at that.
To understand the context of the tie, just months prior was the infamous racial tirade against Thierry Henry by legendary coach Luis Aragones. Still in charge of the side, match organisers saw it the perfect opportunity to bring all creeds and colours together with the help of “all united against racism in football” pre match banners. An honourable effort rebuffed in a grand manner.
Let’s just say the home contingent were well and truly behind their coach on this one as certain sections of the crowd (large as they were) were seemingly twice as vicious to England’s black players in light of previous events.
It was all as nasty on the pitch as it was off of it, as England were unable to channel their aggression against a technically outstanding Spain side.
Wayne Rooney sieving down Marchena, triggering 30,000 chants of “son of a whore”, seemingly summed up the whole ugly affair.
It ended 1-0 to Spain, it’s fair to say that everyone involved wanted to forget it ever happened.
(Sorry about the unintentionally hilarious backing track)