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England vs. Spain: 10 Bold Predictions for Wembley Clash

Sam TigheNov 7, 2011

England take on world and European champions Spain on November the 12th at Wembley Stadium.

We can expect the game to be largely experimental as both sides step up their final preparations for Euro 2012.

It's a game I am lucky enough to be attending and covering for Bleacher Report, so look out for my live material during the game.

Here are 10 bold predictions for the game! Enjoy the show.

Capello Will Be Less Experimental Than Predicted

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The friendlies in the run-up to the European Championships are pegged as matches where international managers can experiment with tactics and test new players.

Many English players who haven't established themselves in the national team yet will be looking to get a foot in the door and impress Fabio Capello.

But Capello may just look to put out a strong team against Spain and see how they measure up. The friendly against Sweden three days later is ideal for blooding new players, so the England manager should try and measure his side up against the world's best.

Spain Will Look Strong Too

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World and European champions Spain do not need to prove anything leading up to the finals.

They have an established set of stars who regularly don the jersey and attain success.

There are a few question marks over certain positions in the squad, though, and some players need to prove themselves.

Left-back is up for grabs and Fabregas will be looking to establish himself as a starter. Competition is still rich.

No Matter Who Impresses, Central Midfield Will Not Be Decided

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It's difficult to assess the strength of your team when a potentially key central midfielder is out of action.

You get the impression that whomever Fabio Capello tries out in midfield, a decision will not be taken until Jack Wilshere returns to the field and gives his two cents.

The young Arsenal playmaker looked to be settling in to England senior life and produced some good displays.

When he returns, competition will be incredibly fierce.

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At Least One Player Can Secure His Spot in the Squad

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There are a few players who look like they are just a few decent performances away from securing their spot in the squad.

Despite my earlier statement about the midfield conundrum, Scott Parker is looking a likely selection as at least a squad depth player.

Darren Bent heads the list of possible England starters due to Wayne Rooney's suspension and is probably one more performance away from being picked.

Spain Is Not the Right Opponent for a Sturridge Showcase

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Daniel Sturridge, set to be selected for the squad, has come on leaps and bounds this season.

He has established himself as a first-team player with Chelsea under Andre Villas-Boas and will look to make the next step into the England squad.

But the young wizard does not possess the attributes to his game to make an impact against Spain.

Last season whilst on loan with Bolton, he made the fewest tackles in the Premier League and did almost no tracking back.

England will be chasing the ball at Wembley and if Sturridge doesn't put the effort in, he will gain no rewards from the experience.

Kyle Walker Will Shine

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Kyle Walker, Tottenham's breakout right-back, has had a great season so far.

He impressed last term whilst on loan at Aston Villa, gaining a reputation as a marauding wide player who can explode down the line.

He's effectively taken over as the first-choice right-back at Spurs this season, and his form has earned him a call-up.

The right-back slot is very much up for grabs in the England team with Glen Johnson often looking suspect and Micah Richards continually being overlooked.

Walker has a chance to shine and may well seize it.

Gabriel Agbonlahor Will Fail Again

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Gabriel Agbonlahor has yet to impress in an England shirt.

He has another chance this weekend having been called up, but my guess is he won't take it.

As an Aston Villa fan, I've watched Gabby for five or six years, and I know what he's about.

He's tormented the opposition on occasion this season, but against weak defences like Norwich and Wigan. He doesn't quite live up to those standards against tougher opposition.

It doesn't get much tougher than Spain.

Rio Ferdinand Will Be Far from Missed

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Rio Ferdinand has looked poor this season. Sir Alex Ferguson admits he's not quite hit the required standards yet and needs more games.

He's failed to earn a call-up this time around and I would suggest England will not miss him.

In fact, I'll go as far as to say we're already used to life without Rio Ferdinand and he probably shouldn't be called up again in future.

England have promising, able defenders who can partner John Terry in Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott. I'd even try Scott Dann or Roger Johnson ahead of Rio right now.

Spain's Tiki-Taka Will Prevail; England Will Chase in Vain

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The most important thing for Fabio Capello to decide in the run-up to this game is who out of his squad are the fittest and most committed.

We all know what Spain will do. They will arrive, grab the ball and proceed to never give it back. The work rate and stamina required to combat long periods without the ball is only possessed by a few players.

Fabio Capello must start these players if he hopes to battle on a level playing field with Spain.

Scott Parker has the work rate but tires before the full 90 minutes, which is why I am happy Jack Rodwell has been called up. He is someone who can come on for 30 minutes and really hassle the world champions.

Spain Will Win, England Won't Score

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It's not the boldest prediction for the outcome of the game, but it's difficult to see anything else happening.

You can see the England team giving it their all but not getting a sniff. A two-nil scoreline might well be the outcome as Spain showcase their team work and work rate in style.

If your a defender looking to cement your spot, this is a great game to prove your concentration, commitment and endurance levels are high enough for the European Championships.

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