Spain vs England: Gareth Southgate's Three Lions are fun and looking firmly forward

The natural reaction after a night as remarkable as that is to wonder where it ranks in history, but what is really relevant is what it means for the future. And there is even more promise there than just the fact England beat Spain 3-2 away from home with the youngest side put out since 1959. There is also the thinking that played such a part in that win. Gareth Southgate really isn’t afraid to take the next step, to take the decision that forces things forward.

That was most obviously evident in England’s basic approach. The logical response to Spain’s superiority in possession would usually be, as Southgate admitted, “to come here and defend for 90 minutes”. But England did not do that. “They played with huge courage,” as the manager enthused. They went at Spain, in their own country, and really unnerved them.

As much as anything, there was such a vibrancy, excitement and fun to England’s play.

If this in itself was such an enjoyable surprise given the recent history of the team, consider it in the history of Southgate’s career. He really does deserve huge personal praise here.

Because, when he got the job, few imagined football like this. Many expected a much more rigid approach. A club career that only involved a relegation with Middlesbrough was held against him.

But this in itself shows how much Southgate has evolved, as much as England. From being seen as a relatively predictable company man, he now espouses some of the most progressive views in the game.

He is a great admirer of Pep Guardiola’s approach, and has similarly talked warmly of what Maurizio Sarri is doing.

That could be seen in much of England’s play against Spain, especially the expansiveness of the flowing first-half attacks.

This, again, was fun. This was not bureaucratic football.

In that regard, there can’t be too many managers who have gone through such a transformation as Southgate; someone who has so stepped away to study the game and improve themselves. Brazil’s Tite did it, as did Guardiola himself.

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But it has an open mind that has itself fuelled the openness of his views, the forward-thinking of his decisions.

His opponent on Monday, Luis Enrique, is known to be hugely impressed with Southgate and likes to discuss the game with him. He felt the brunt of it in Seville, as so much came together for his opposite number.

There was first of all the bravery in picking Jordan Pickford in the first place, that directly translated to the goalkeeper’s bravery with the ball at his feet - and the willingness to play those balls that were key to two goals.

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There is then the general trust in youth but also how that is trust in youth in two ways. It is an increasing trust in them to express themselves, that finally led to such an exciting England display.

There was then the key decision to discard the 3-5-2 formation that served the side so well in the World Cup, and go for a 4-3-3 now more of the players are more mature.

It paid off. It looks good for the future, like so much with this team.

Southgate predictably didn’t get into too much talk about where this win ranks. He is too interested in looking forward.