England’s Nations League campaign got off to a losing start as they were beaten by World Cup holders Spain in an enthralling encounter at Wembley.
Spain struck inside two minutes when Lamine Yamal was the beneficiary of Marc Guehi’s error and slotted past James Trafford.
England then managed to survive several close calls before Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored in quick succession to give them an unlikely lead before half-time.
However, Kane crucially missed a penalty early in the second half – after Jude Bellingham was brought down in the box – which left the door open for the visitors.
Substitute Alex Baena took advantage of Nico O’Reilly’s mistake to equalise before Mikel Oyarzabal concluded a clinical move with a beautifully dinked finish for the winner.
Victory extends Spain’s unbeaten run to 39 games, but England must learn lessons from this defeat.
Thomas Tuchel’s side need to adopt a more aggressive approach and cut out individual errors, which are always going to be punished against a side of Spain’s quality.
The world champions went ahead early on, the result of a blunder by Guehi, who inexplicably turned into trouble – and to make matters worse straight into Lamine Yamal – who beat Trafford, deputising for Jordan Pickford, with ease.
England were living on the edge and Spain could have been out of sight as Ferran Torres saw a goal ruled out for offside, forced a fine save from Trafford, then rolled a finish wide when clean through.
When England finally adopted a more direct approach, it reaped rewards as they turned the game on its head to lead before the break.
The excellent Gordon raced clear to beat Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon with a cool finish after 36 minutes before Kane added England’s second four minutes later as his header was deflected in off Marc Cucurella.
England suddenly had Spain in retreat, but wasted a huge opportunity to extend their advantage after 55 minutes when a penalty was awarded for Rodri’s foul on Bellingham after a Video Assistant Referee intervention.
Kane, normally so reliable, slipped as he went to take his kick, actually touching the ball twice before hitting the bar.
Once again, it was an error that undermined England as Spain equalised on the hour. O’Reilly was the culprit on this occasion, losing possession before substitute Baena beat Trafford low down from the edge of the area.
Spain had regained their composure and also regained the lead with 16 minutes left, a slick move finished by Oyarzabal – who scored the winner against England in the Euro 2024 final – lifting a delicate finish over Trafford.
England pay price for mistakes
England suffered from making the kind of basic mistakes that always carry the danger of being punished at international level – especially when the opposition are the best team in world football.
Guehi’s gift to Lamine Yamal set England back almost instantly, and it was only Spain’s wastefulness in front of goal that prevented the game being over as a contest before the break.
England showed determination and a more positive approach to go in front, but were again the architects of their own downfall to sabotage their chances of victory – Kane uncharacteristically missed from the spot and O’Reilly squandered possession before Baena’s equaliser.
Spain then took control of the game and even a late rally was not enough to earn England a point.
