World champions Spain came from behind to beat England 3-2 at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, opening their UEFA Nations League campaign with a dramatic victory.
England had overturned an early deficit to lead 2-1, but captain Harry Kane missed a second-half penalty before Spain responded with goals from substitutes Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal.
Yamal Gives Spain Early Lead
Spain struck just two minutes into the match after Lamine Yamal capitalized on a mistake by England defender Marc Guéhi. The Barcelona winger collected the ball and fired past goalkeeper James Trafford to put the visitors ahead.
Spain continued to create chances, with Ferran Torres testing Trafford and missing another opportunity as the visitors looked capable of extending their lead.
England, however, turned the game around with two goals in quick succession.
Anthony Gordon equalized in the 36th minute after a swift counterattack involving Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham. Four minutes later, Kane headed in Nico O’Reilly’s cross, with the ball taking a deflection off Marc Cucurella before finding the net.
Kane Misses Penalty
England had a chance to move two goals clear early in the second half when referee Davide Massa awarded a penalty after a VAR review for a Rodri foul on Bellingham.
Kane stepped up but slipped as he took the kick, sending the ball against the crossbar.
Spain quickly capitalized on the missed opportunity.
Baena and Oyarzabal Complete Comeback
Álex Baena, introduced from the bench, equalized in the 60th minute after England lost possession. Fourteen minutes later, Baena turned provider, setting up fellow substitute Mikel Oyarzabal, who lifted the ball over Trafford to give Spain a 3-2 lead.
England manager Thomas Tuchel brought on Morgan Gibbs-White and Dominic Calvert-Lewin late in an effort to find an equalizer, but Spain held on for the victory.
The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 39 matches and handed England a defeat in their opening Nations League fixture.
