Spain defeat England 3-2 at Wembley after Harry Kane penalty miss and defensive errors
World champions Spain extended their unbeaten streak to 39 matches with a 3-2 comeback win over England in their Nations League opener at a sold-out Wembley Stadium.
Early setback and first-half turnaround
Spain took an early lead inside two minutes in front of a sold-out Wembley crowd after Marc Guehi was caught in possession on the edge of his penalty area, allowing Lamine Yamal to score off the inside of the far post. Spain created further chances as James Trafford, starting ahead of Jordan Pickford, denied Ferran Torres after Torres had a goal ruled out for offside. England leveled in the 36th minute when Elliot Anderson capitalized on a slip by Nico Williams and fed Jude Bellingham, who broke past the halfway line to release Anthony Gordon for a low 20-yard equalizer. Four minutes later, Harry Kane headed England into a 2-1 lead from a Nico O'Reilly cross.
The decisive second-half shift
England had a chance to extend their lead in the 54th minute when Bellingham was tripped by Rodri in the penalty area. Kane stepped up in the 55th minute but slipped during his run-up, sending the spot-kick against the crossbar. Spain quickly equalized after O'Reilly gave the ball away in his own penalty area and substitute Alex Baena scored. Mikel Oyarzabal then completed Spain's comeback with a calm finish following patient build-up play, sealing a 3-2 victory.
- Lamine Yamal scores for Spain following a Marc Guehi defensive error
- Anthony Gordon equalizes for England from a Jude Bellingham assist
- Harry Kane heads England ahead 2-1 from a Nico O'Reilly cross
- Harry Kane hits the crossbar from a penalty won by Jude Bellingham
- Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal score to secure a 3-2 win for Spain
Tactical philosophy and Gordon's reaction
The match took place 10 weeks after England's World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina in Atlanta, where England also led before conceding twice in the second half. Tuchel had emphasized direct attacking transitions in pre-match preparations rather than imitating Spain's possession style. Gordon reflected on the missed chance after the final whistle.
I think it is a bit of a missed chance. I thought it was a great game to watch and to play in. Some of the attacking play was at the highest level but I think in a game like that where mistakes cost you, you always feel it's you giving it away rather than them winning it. They were as good as us, we were as good as them, just gutted about the mistakes.
Gordon also discussed the gap between the two sides.
We just lost to the best in the world. The gap is not big in my mind and I think tonight proved that. When it went to 3-2 you see their ability to really control possession. I think against someone like that you have really got to go for the throat.
Off-pitch context and manager reaction
The match came one day after Manchester City were found guilty on all but one of 115 Premier League financial charges. City players Guehi and O'Reilly started alongside Anderson, while former City midfielder Rodri played for Spain. After defensive errors by Guehi and O'Reilly led to Spanish goals, television pundit Roy Keane suggested the verdict affected player focus. Tuchel stated the ruling was not a topic for him, praising his team's work rate.
Anthony Gordon's goal was a top transition goal. We scored amazing goals and could have created more if we were more clinical in the last 20 metres. We had an incredible amount of ball wins and the effort, bravery and courage was outstanding.
England will review the performance ahead of upcoming fixtures, while Spain extended their unbeaten run to 39 matches.
