Luke Shaw in 'fairly comfortable' condition after horror collision, says Gareth Southgate

Luke Shaw was “sat up, talking” and “fairly comfortable” following England’s 2-1 home defeat to Spain, according to manager Gareth Southgate, after the left-back was forced off in the second half following a horror head collision.

The Manchester United star’s injury overshadowed what had been a somewhat chastening night for Southgate’s side, although the news ensured it ended on a positive note, even if the manager confirmed there would be more tests in the morning.

Southgate did add that he felt Danny Welbeck’s 96th-minute strike should have stood, after being ruled out for a perceived foul on David De Gea, but insisted that shouldn’t take away from the fact Spain were “better than us for long periods”.

Luis Enrique’s side were already 2-1 up when Shaw suffered an accidental collision with Dani Carvajal, leaving him having to be carried off on a stretcher with an oxygen mask. It was all the more unfortunate because his performance had been so good up until that point, setting up Marcus Rashford’s opener, but Southgate did seem reassured by how the defender was after the game.

“He's sat up in the dressing room, talking and seems fairly comfortable,” the England manager said. “We'll have to assess him a bit more overnight and tomorrow, but that's definitely a good sign. Difficult to tell [if he was unconscious]. There'll be tests. We won't take any chances with his health, it was a nasty looking fall, but he is awake and talking.

“I think, as you say, great contribution for the goal. And it's a big thing, we've thrown him in today after a few games of the season. He's still... we have quite a few players short of minutes and sharpness, so to come into a game like tonight after so long out of the international scene is as tough a test as you can have. But he's shown flashes that he can play a part for us. That balance with the left footer was an advantage for us.”

Southgate meanwhile felt Welbeck’s goal should have stood, but admitted that even a somewhat fortuitous draw wouldn’t have taken away from the fact this was mostly a lesson for England - especially in midfield.

“The two defenders tried to block Danny out of it, De Gea came over the top and just dropped it. It's clear for everyone to see. It should have been a goal.

“But over the 90 minutes, Spain were better than us for long periods of the game. We know the quality they possess. Their retention of the ball was top class. We were a little bit disjointed with our pressing, particularly in the first half, but when you're playing against players who wriggle out of situations and play their way out... we can't do that.

“Eric [Dier] provided some stability, and allowed us to play better through midfield. I'm very proud of the way the players finished the game. It was a night playing against a top team. I've seen teams fold in that situation, but we finished really strongly, created a couple of really good chances, probably had as many shots on target as they have.

“Given where we're at, we need those experiences to improve. I couldn't ask any more of the players.”