Lamine Yamal opens the scoring, but Spain had to come from behind to win as Harry Kane sees his penalty hit the bar.
Published On 26 Sep 2026
World champions Spain overturned a deficit to defeat England 3-2 in an entertaining Nations League clash at Wembley on Saturday, spoiling what could have been a celebratory win for the hosts following their World Cup disappointment.
The win for Luis de la Fuente’s side stretches Spain’s remarkable unbeaten streak to 39 games, a European record.
England’s nightmare began early as Lamine Yamal capitalised on a mistake by defender Marc Guehi, leaving the visitors with several gilt-edged chances that could have put them three up.
Despite criticism for their ultra‑defensive approach in the World Cup semi‑final loss to Argentina, England responded with adventurous play and took the lead in the 36th minute when Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon capped off a slick team move.
Just four minutes later, England went ahead as Harry Kane met Nico O’Reilly’s cross, which deflected off Marc Cucurella, and headed the ball into the net.
Ten minutes into the second half, Kane had a golden opportunity to double England’s lead from the penalty spot, but his slip saw the strike hit the bar.
Having beaten England in the Euro 2024 final, Spain seized the moment, with substitutes Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal scoring to put La Roja ahead, exploiting further defensive lapses by the hosts.
England manager Thomas Tuchel had insisted the game did not mark a new beginning, yet he could not have been pleased with his side’s jittery opening.
Manchester City’s Marc Guehi had a chance to clear in the second minute but inexplicably played the ball back toward goalkeeper James Trafford, seemingly unaware that Lamine Yamal lurked behind him.
The teenager pounced on the ball and curled a left‑footed shot against the inside of the post.
Ferran Torres was heavily involved, seeing one effort ruled out for offside and another stopped by Trafford, who was deputising for the regular keeper Jordan Pickford.
He also wasted a golden one‑on‑one chance with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Yamal then laid the ball off to Dani Olmo, whose effort flew wide as Spain lamented another missed chance.
England, who had looked dangerous on the flanks, punished the visitors with a sharp counter‑attack after winning the ball deep in their own half.
Gordon played a key role early in the move, surging forward to latch onto Jude Bellingham’s pass and steer the ball past goalkeeper Unai Simón.
With the momentum shifted, England went ahead as Kane rose to head the ball home.
Tuchel’s side began the second half brightly and earned a penalty after Rodri fouled Jude Bellingham, a decision confirmed by VAR.
Nevertheless, Kane’s penalty struck the bar, and England were punished when Alex Baena scored on the hour after O’Reilly gave possession to Dani Olmo.
Matters worsened for the hosts when Baena turned provider, laying the ball off for Mikel Oyarzabal to chip it over James Trafford.
Also Read
- From War to Economic Partnership: Azerbaijan and Armenia Forge New Regional Ties on Remembrance Day
- Costco (COST) Stock Forecast: The Future Value of a $10,000 Investment Over Five Years
- Four Dead in Shooting on Caribbean Island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- Mississippi Mother Reels as Police Say Daughter’s Tree Hanging Was Staged
