The build-up to the first meeting between the teams at Wembley since England won a Euro 96 quarter-final on penalties has been overshadowed by the soap operas which now seem to be an everyday part of English football life.
A row over whether world governing body FIFA would allow England to wear a poppy on their shirts to mark the Remembrance Day observations dragged on for much of the week and involved FA President Prince William, British Prime Minister David Cameron and sports minister Hugh Robertson.
Although England coach Fabio Capello named him in the squad for Saturday's match and Tuesday's friendly at Wembley against Sweden, he also confirmed Terry would not play against Spain.
To add to the situation, Terry's long-time central defensive partner Rio Ferdinand was not selected while Gerrard is out injured.
Rooney is absent after UEFA banned him for the first three matches of the European Championships next year, pending an England FA appeal, while Capello is missing his son Pierfilippo's wedding in Milan on Saturday because of a mix-up over dates.
"I want to see some new players and how they fit in," Capello told reporters in the build-up to the game.
"Spain are the best team in the world right now and play a different style to every other team and I want to see how we cope against them. I need to give a run-out to new players and see their potential."
In contrast, Spain's squad requires only minor tinkering ahead of the tournament in Poland and Ukraine next year.
