Spain beats Croatia 4-1 to extend unbeaten run as England wins 2-0 in Prague

Spain extends unbeaten streak in Seville

Spain earned a 4-1 victory over Croatia at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in Seville on Tuesday, taking their unbeaten run to 40 fixtures. Forward Lamine Yamal opened the scoring two minutes into the match, before Dion Drena Beljo levelled for the visitors in the 29th minute. Marc Pubill restored Spain's advantage two minutes later, followed by a second goal from Yamal in the 63rd minute and an 89th-minute finish from Nico Williams. Veteran midfielder Luka Modric entered the game for Croatia from the bench in the 81st minute. The win leaves Luis de la Fuente's side at the top of Nations League Group A3 with six points from their opening two matches.

England rebounds with victory in Prague

England claimed their first points of the Nations League campaign with a 2-0 win against Czechia in Prague. The contest turned in the 23rd minute when Czech midfielder Pavel Sulc committed a late tackle on Elliot Anderson. Referee Umut Meler initially issued a yellow card before upgrading the decision to a red card following a video review. Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the 47th minute by meeting a cross at the back post, and captain Harry Kane added a second goal in the 69th minute with his 87th international strike.

Alexander-Arnold discussed the half-time instructions that produced the opening goal.

I spoke to Ant to half time and said, 'if I'm getting in those half spaces and looking to put it in, make sure you get to the back post'.

Tuchel adjusts lineup and secures clean sheet

England manager Thomas Tuchel made several alterations to the team that lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Jude Bellingham was named among the substitutes, while Trent Alexander-Arnold received his first start under the German coach at right-back. With Ezri Konsa and Nico O'Reilly sidelined by injuries, Lewis Hall started at left-back and Trevoh Chalobah partnered Marc Guehi in central defence. The result provided England with their first clean sheet in seven matches after conceding 13 goals over their previous six outings.

Gordon spoke afterwards about playing alongside Alexander-Arnold on the right side.

I make that run time and time again and only a certain number of players have that ability, technique and bravery to be willing to make the mistake trying that pass.

Group standings and wider tournament action

The result in Prague moved England into second place in Group A3 on three points, level with Croatia and trailing Spain by three points. Czechia, playing under new manager Santi Denia, remains in fourth place with zero points after consecutive defeats. Spain next hosts Czechia on Saturday before travelling to Croatia on Tuesday. Elsewhere in League B, Switzerland secured a 3-0 victory against Scotland at Hampden Park after Jack Hendry received a red card in the 11th minute, spoiling Sebastien Pocognoli's debut. Ricardo Rodriguez, Nico Elvedi, and Zeki Amdouni scored for Switzerland, while Slovenia defeated North Macedonia 2-0.