Wembley Stadium in London hosted one of the most eagerly anticipated and significant fixtures of the UEFA Nations League group stage, with Spain eventually securing a thrilling 3-2 victory over England.
Just two minutes into the match, a costly mistake from Marc Guéhi gifted possession to Lamine Yamal, and the young Spain star made no mistake, finding the back of the net to give the visitors an early lead. In the eighth minute, Ferran Torres appeared to double Spain’s advantage, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
With England pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Spain launched a counterattack in the 16th minute, sending Ferran Torres through one-on-one with James Trafford. The England goalkeeper stood firm to deny the forward. Spain gradually regained control through their possession-based approach, but Torres missed another excellent one-on-one opportunity in the 28th minute, firing wide. Then, with Spain on the attack, Nico Williams slipped, allowing England to break quickly. A brilliant exchange between Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon opened the way for the equaliser, with the Barcelona forward finishing the move in the 36th minute.
England completed the turnaround just four minutes later. Harry Kane’s header deflected off Marc Cucurella and found the back of the net in the 40th minute, giving the hosts a 2-1 lead and ensuring they went into the interval ahead.
England had an early chance to extend their lead after the restart. Referee Davide Massa awarded the hosts a penalty following a VAR review for Rodri’s challenge on Jude Bellingham, but Harry Kane struck the post. The England captain had slipped while taking the spot-kick, and because the ball made contact with his standing foot, Massa also ruled that Kane had committed a double touch, bringing an end to the opportunity.
Spain responded strongly in the 60th minute. Lamine Yamal combined with Álex Baena before wasting a promising chance he had created himself. Just seconds later, however, Baena made amends, firing a precise low shot past James Trafford to level the score.
In the 74th minute, Mikel Oyarzabal completed Spain’s comeback, heading home after a superb delivery from Baena to put La Roja 3-2 ahead.
England’s efforts to avoid a home defeat ultimately came to nothing, as Thomas Tuchel’s side were beaten by the reigning world champions in a dramatic encounter at Wembley.
