England Loses to Spain 3-2 in Nations League Opener
England host Spain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 7:45 p.m. BST, in the Nations League Group A3 opener. Spain arrive as reigning world and European champions.
- 5 players withdrew from England's original squad, including Cole Palmer and Declan Rice.
- Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final, with Ferran Torres scoring in extra time.
- Rodri, Spain's World Cup Golden Ball winner, is expected to anchor their midfield.
- UK viewers can watch for free on ITV1 and streaming service ITVX.
Why it matters: This is England's first competitive match since their World Cup exit, and Tuchel faces questions about his approach after criticism following the semi-final loss.
- England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final — the two sides' last meeting before Saturday.
- Harry Kane could equal Peter Shilton's all-time England appearance record if he features in all four matches this window.
How 12 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center focuses on logistics — broadcast details, odds, and lineup projections — treating the match as a high-profile but straightforward sporting event.
USA Today4hWATCH: Lamine Yamal scores for Spain vs England, picking up where La Roja left off
Heavy10hEngland vs Spain Lineups Today: Confirmed Starting XI, Team News and Live Updates
BBC News37mEngland 2-3 Spain: Thomas Tuchel rues 'big mistakes' - did Man City charges have impact?
ESPN10mSpain expose England's shortcomings in breathtaking Wembley comeback - ESPN
Reuters2hWorld champions Spain punish England errors to win Nations League thriller at WembleyWPWPXI Pittsburgh2hWorld Cup winner Spain survives scare to beat England 3-2 in Nations LeagueLeft coverage, 3 sources: The left frames the match around England's Euro 2024 and World Cup disappointments, questioning whether Tuchel can reverse a pattern of near-misses against elite opposition.
Right coverage, 3 sources: The right emphasizes national pride and the pressure on Tuchel to deliver answers after a painful World Cup, framing the match as a moment of reckoning for the squad.
Daily Mail52mThomas Tuchel concedes England's Man City stars could have been distracted by guilty verdict after Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly gaffes in Spain defeat
The Sun1h‘Turned him into traffic cone’ – Fans stunned as Dani Olmo ‘cooks’ Elliot Anderson with simple skill in England vs Spain
The Telegraph2hAnother Tuchel shocker as England throw away victory against SpainWhat’s next: Nations League quarter-finals are scheduled for March, with the finals in June.
- England also face Croatia and Czech Republic during this international break.
- Will Tuchel change England's tactical approach after the World Cup semi-final exit?
- Can England's depleted squad compete against a full-strength Spain side?