A two-goal lead evaporated under familiar defensive weight at Wembley, and Spain did what Spain repeatedly do to England on the biggest stages. The world champions came from behind to win 3-2 in their first competitive match since lifting the World Cup, turning a chaotic second half into another chapter of head-to-head superiority.
England's night began in the worst possible way. Inside two minutes, Marc Guéhi's errant backpass fell for Lamine Yamal, who made no mistake. The hosts needed a spark, and Anthony Gordon supplied it at the end of a rapid counter-attack, levelling in the 36th minute after Jude Bellingham's pass. Four minutes later, Harry Kane's glancing header from Nico O'Reilly's left-sided cross diverted in off Marc Cucurella and England led 2-1 at the break.
Baena turns the match on its head
Spain's response carried threat from the moment the second half restarted. Álex Baena, operating in spaces England failed to close, changed the contest through two direct actions. His 60th-minute equaliser curled home from distance after a loose O'Reilly pass, punishing the same player whose assist had put England ahead.
Baena then turned provider, sliding a through ball for Mikel Oyarzabal, who chipped over the onrushing James Trafford to make it 3-2 in the 74th minute. The move exposed England's high line and capped a period of sustained Spanish pressure that the hosts could not reverse.
Kane penalty miss shifts the momentum
England had their clearest chance to restore control shortly after the interval. A penalty awarded when Bellingham went down was confirmed after a VAR check, but Kane slipped during his run-up and struck the crossbar in the 54th minute. The miss preserved Spain's path back into the game and kept the deficit at a single goal before Baena intervened.
The underlying numbers reflected the contest's open nature: Spain held 53% possession and outshot England 15-13, yet both sides managed five shots on target. England edged corners 6-3 and collected all three yellow cards, signs of a side increasingly stretched against a team that moved the ball with greater composure in decisive moments.
Spain's first competitive appearance as world champions, complete with a second star on the crest, doubled as a statement. The result leaves England bottom of League A with no points from their opening fixture, while Spain top the early standings with three. For Thomas Tuchel, scrutiny over defensive lapses following the summer's World Cup semi-final exit will only intensify before the next international window.
Match Information
Competition: UEFA Nations League
Date & Time: Saturday 26 September 2026, 20:45 CET
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London
Referee: Davide Massa
