Spain lose 2-3 to England in Nations League, ending 44-match unbeaten run

Spain's unbeaten run ends at the Metropolitano

Spain lost 2-3 to England on Sunday, 15 November, in the final Nations League group match at the Metropolitano in Madrid. The defeat ended a run that SAPO and La Razón counted as 43 matches unbeaten, while Europa Press and El País put it at 44 official matches. LaVanguardia described it as Spain's first defeat in three and a half years. Spain needed at least a point to finish top of Group 3, and they lost the group lead. Coach Luis de la Fuente said the team are now in the quarterfinals and still have every chance to win the Nations League.

England's early lead and Spain's late reply

England took control in the first half, and Harry Kane's penalty at 45 minutes gave them the lead. Ezri Konsa and Ben White scored after the interval to put England 3-0 up, and Europa Press noted that the visitors dominated for long spells. Spain's comeback began after Elliot Anderson was sent off as the last man following a foul, and the same play produced the penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot to make it 3-1, and Nico Williams brought Spain to 2-3. Spain pushed hard in the final stretch but could not find an equaliser.

Reactions after the final whistle

Speaking after the match, de la Fuente framed the defeat as a measure of what Spain has achieved, pointing to the world, European and Nations League titles the team has won.

“I take everything positive from this defeat, because it shows what it costs to reach where we have got.”

He said the players behaved the same in victory and in defeat, and that the squad still has a real chance at the Nations League trophy. Captain Unai Simón said the loss hurt, while acknowledging that Spain had expected to lose to England at some point.

“Losing hurts, losing always hurts.”

Aymeric Laporte admitted the squad was unhappy with the result and said they had to do better in the future.

“We are Spain, we are number one, and we are going home annoyed.”

Thomas Tuchel, England's coach, said the penalty and red card changed the match and called the win deserved. He also praised de la Fuente and said Spain had built a team that looked almost unbeatable.

Squad knocks and the road to March

De la Fuente made three changes because of physical problems: Pubill had an ankle problem, Cubarsí had muscle discomfort and Zubimendi also had a problem. Oyarzabal dedicated his goal to his newborn son, his second child, and thanked his wife. De la Fuente said he would have liked to be with the squad during the week to explain how difficult their achievements had been. Spain must now wait until March for the next stage, and the coach said the team will try to reach the final four.