Off the wire
• Weather forecast for world cities -- Nov. 12  • Weather forecast for major Chinese cities, regions -- Nov. 12  • Indonesian President, Australian PM meet to revive ties  • Bhutan's starters against China in FIFA 2018 World Cup Asian Zone qualifier  • China's starters against Bhutan in 2018 World Cup Asian Zone qualifier  • 1st LD: China's new yuan loans up in October  • China investing billions to resettle poor residents  • Xinhua Insight: Achievements of Xi's Vietnam, Singapore visit  • Sun Yat-sen's birthday anniversary marked in Beijing  • APEC formally unveils Financial Infrastructure Development Network  
You are here: 　 Home

SPORT Del Bosque drops 'adios' hint ahead of Spain-England friendly

Xinhua, November 12, 2015 Adjust font size:

Spain play England in a friendly match in Alicante on Friday night with coach Vicente del Bosque considering his future in the job.

The veteran who led Spain to triumph in the 2010 World Cup finals and the 2012 European Championships, has yet to renew his current contract which is due to expire after this summer's European Championships and on Thursday dropped his biggest hint yet that he could be leaving after eight years in charge.

"It wouldn't be bad for the national team if I went. It would be hard for me, but the team would have the chance to renew itself and have another coach. Nothing would happen," he said in an interview with Radio Marca in which he said he had already "taken the decision. When the time comes, we shall see what it is."

Both Spain and England are without key players for a game both see as an important preparation for next summer's European Championships after qualifying with ease for next summer's tournament in France.

England are without forwards Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott, while Alex Oxlaide Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and James Milner are also sidelines, while the Spanish are without Juanfran Torres and Real Madrid trio, Isco, Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos.

It will be interesting to see how the partnership between Wayne Rooney Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane develops for England and whether or not the Premier League's top scorer, James Vardy will get a chance from the start.

Meanwhile Del Bosque will opt to play Mario Gaspar at right back with Gerard Pique, who can once again expect to be booed by Spanish fans, accompanied by Barcelona team-mates Marc Bartra and Jordi Alba.

The midfield also has a 'Barca' look to it with former Barca duo, Cesc Fabrigas and Thiago Alcantara alongside current duo, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, while Paco Alcacer will partner the controversial Diego Costa in attack.

It is a sell out in Alicante with thousands of England fans also travelling to the game which although a friendly by name, will not be one by nature. Endi