Full Breakdown
Spain Stages Comeback Victory Over England at Wembley
By Drooid · · How we work
The Match Overview
On September 26, 2026, world-champion Spain defeated England 3–2 in the opening Group A3 fixture of the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League at Wembley. Lamine Yamal opened the scoring in the second minute after a mistake by England defender Marc Guehi. England equalised through Anthony Gordon in the 36th minute and Harry Kane’s header (deflected off Marc Cucurella) four minutes later. A missed penalty by Kane in the 54th minute proved decisive; Spain equalised through Álex Baena in the 60th minute and Mikel Oyarzabal completed the comeback with a 74th-minute dink over goalkeeper James Trafford. The win extended Spain’s unbeaten run in regulation time to 39 matches.
Background & Context
The encounter was the first competitive meeting for both sides since the 2026 World Cup, where England’s semi-final loss to Argentina left the Three Lions seeking redemption. Spain entered the Nations League as reigning World and European champions. England, under new coach Thomas Tuchel, aimed to translate their World Cup experience into league success.
Timeline of Key Moments
- 2´ – Yamal capitalises on Guehi’s error, curls past James Trafford.
- 36´ – Anthony Gordon finishes a rapid counter-attack, assisted by Jude Bellingham.
- 40´ – Harry Kane heads in a Nico O’Reilly cross, deflected off Cucurella.
- 54´ – Kane’s penalty slips, striking the crossbar after a VAR-confirmed foul on Bellingham.
- 60´ – Álex Baena curls home from a Dani Olmo pass following an O’Reilly turnover.
- 74´ – Oyarzabal chips Trafford after a low pass from Baena, sealing the win.
Data & Statistics
- Spain’s unbeaten streak: 39 matches without a regulation-time loss.
- Yamal’s goal is the third-quickest ever conceded by England at Wembley (Opta).
- England’s penalty miss is Kane’s first in a Nations League match.
- Substitutes contributed both Spanish goals (Baena, Oyarzabal).
Official Statements & Responses
England manager Thomas Tuchel described the start as “the worst possible” and lamented “individual big mistakes” that cost his side.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're playing against the world champions, the European champions, and we went toe-to-toe,” — Harry Kane.
- “We had a terrible start, the worst start possible. It makes it so difficult to be behind against this kind of team,” — Thomas Tuchel.
Why It Matters
Spain’s victory preserves their unbeaten run and places them atop Group A3 on goal difference, giving them an early edge in the race for a second Nations League title. For England, the loss highlights defensive frailties exposed in the World Cup semi-final and underscores the need for greater consistency over 90 minutes.
What’s Next
England’s next Nations League match is scheduled for September 29, 2026 against the Czech Republic (away). Spain will host Croatia on October 3, 2026. Both fixtures will be crucial in determining which team advances to the league finals.