England's Harry Kane makes a mockery of Sergio Ramos and Nacho

England's Harry Kane makes a mockery of Sergio Ramos and Nacho

Sergio Ramos y Nacho protestan al árbitro del España-Inglaterra en presencia de Harry Kane
Sergio Ramos y Nacho protestan al árbitro del España-Inglaterra en presencia de Harry Kane | AFP

The Real Madrid players could not handle the Tottenham striker

Spain were given a dose of reality as they lost 3-2 to England. After an excellent start to the Luis Enrique era, with wins against England at Wembley (2-1), Croatia (6-1) and Wales (4-1), the Benito Villamarin saw La Roja's good form brought to an end. A shocking first half left them 3-0 down at the break and they couldn't come back despite showing a reaction in the second half. 

There were many errors made in the first 45 minutes -- and by all lines and players. However, two players were made a mockery of especially: captain Sergio Ramos and Nacho. Beyond Sterling and Rashford, who got the the goals, Harry Kane was a genuine nightmare, Gareth Southgate's tactical weapon to get the better of the Real Madrid defenders. 

The Tottenham striker gave a recital in how to play as a centre forward, dominating his area, pulling the centre-backs out of position and creating space behind for the wide players. Also about how to appear in the are at the right time. 

For Sterling's opener, he popped up in the middle of the pitch. It pulled Ramos out of position and his pass to Rashford then created space for Sterling behind Nacho. 

For the second goal, Rashford benefitted from Spain's vulnerability to Kane. Goalkeeper Pickford sent the ball long and Ramos and Nacho were bullied by Kane. He won the ball and turned, creating space, before lifting his head. Once again, with the defence nowhere, he was able to pick out Rashford to double England's lead. 

And for the final England goal, Sterling the scorer again, Kane did the damage in the area. Barkley detected his movement and picked him out at the far post. Kane beat Ramos easily and squared for Sterling. 

The goals came in 22 minutes as England dismantled Spain on the counter-attack, with Kane the key and Ramos and Nacho his victims. 

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