Lowdown on Southgate's men

England's opening Uefa Nations League fixture ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Spain. We assess the players' contributions.

Jordan Pickford: 6

Hard to fault him for the close-range strikes which beat him in the first half – he was entitled to expect greater protection for the soft second goal. Dealt capably with long range efforts.

Harry Maguire: 6

Some great tackles and interceptions and has become a major presence for England. Not afraid to carry the ball into enemy territory.

John Stones: 6

Very unlucky to be punished with a yellow card for a perfectly timed tackle on Rodgrigo. This was a testing night which the Man City defender seemed to relish.

Joe Gomez: 5

Left for dead by Rodrigo at the near post when Spain went ahead from Alcantara’s free-kick, which spoilt his night’s work. But a lot asked of him after he missed the World Cup.

Kieran Trippier: 6

One of the stand-out stars in Russia, but the Spurs man was not able to bomb forward into the sort of advanced positions he likes to take up and spent much of the evening tracking back.

Jordan Henderson: 6

Typically whole-hearted. Won the ball in midfield to spark the attack for England’s goal. But often seemed to be outnumbered and crowded out by Spain’s busy midfielders.

Dele Alli: 5

Struggled to get near Spain’s dexterous midfielders and often seemed to drift out of the match. Still seems a bit off form.

Jesse Lingard: 5

Tried to generate attacks with Trippier down the right flank but anonymous for spells in the game. Did not do much wrong but unable to get England on the front foot often enough.

Luke Shaw: 6

Luckless. Stretchered off at the start of the second half after an aerial collision. A superb surging run and low cross opened up Spain’s defence for Rashford’s goal but was at fault for the equaliser – diving in as Spain broke to score through Saul Niguez. Carded for a late tackle on Dani Carvajal.

Marcus Rashford: 7

Tucked in a low cross past David De Gea but had a header from six yards kept out by his Man United team-mate and also spurned a good chance in the second half. Always looked the most likely player to score for England.

Harry Kane: 5

Still not up to the levels of sharpness he had before last season’s injury and found it hard to create space in the opposition box. A disappointing evening for the Tottenham striker.

Danny Rose: 5

Came on for the injured Shaw early in the second half. A few excursions down the left flank late on as England went in search of a second goal.

Eric Dier: 5

On for Henderson just past the hour. Southgate felt he provided greater stability in the final quarter of the match.