The Nations League is back and England and Spain finally kicked a football for the first time since the World Cup in July. The World champions came into this mouthwatering clash as favourites, but playing England on home soil is never an easy task. Luis de la Fuente’s side got off to the perfect start after Lamine Yamal latched onto Marc Guehi’s poor back pass. The teenager kept his composure before calmly slotting Spain ahead with just 90 seconds on the clock. Ferran Torres should have doubled the advantage on multiple occasions, having a goal disallowed before forcing James Trafford into a smart save and later dragging another one on one opportunity wide.
England punished Spain for their wastefulness and soon found themselves level. Jude Bellingham led a dangerous counterattack before releasing his fellow La Liga counterpart Anthony Gordon, who made no mistake with a composed low finish. In a blink of an eye, Thomas Tuchel’s side were ahead. Harry Kane had seen an effort go agonisingly wide before heading Nico O’Reilly’s cross into Marc Cucurella and into the back of the net. It was a priceless moment for the Three Lions and completed a remarkable turnaround before the half time whistle.
The second half began with more opportunities at both ends. Jarrell Quansah had a golden chance to extend England’s lead but headed over, before Kane was handed the biggest opportunity of the evening when Rodri brought Bellingham down inside the penalty area. The Bayern Munich striker stepped up but rattled the crossbar, keeping Spain firmly in the contest. La Roja took full advantage of the lifeline as substitute Alex Baena produced a wonderful finish from the edge of the box into the bottom corner, leaving Trafford with no chance.
Matters went from bad to worse for England with 15 minutes remaining as Mikel Oyarzabal once again became the Three Lions’ tormentor. The Spain international produced a delicate finish over Trafford to complete the comeback and leave England chasing an equaliser. Tuchel’s side pushed forward late on but ultimately could not find a way through, with Spain holding firm to secure another impressive victory over England. Once again, the Three Lions were left on the wrong side of the result against one of international football’s elite nations in a competitive fixture.
