In a re-run of the Euro 2024 final, World champions Spain will be looking to replicate that success in this UEFA Nations League (UNL) opener against an England side still reeling from their summer disappointment.
Match News and Current Form
This game provides England their first chance to right the wrongs of a summer that saw them disappointingly exit the World Cup at the semi-final stage despite leading late in their last-four match against Argentina. The third-place finish they managed in the 2026 edition still served as their best World Cup effort since 1966 and was seemingly a positive achievement in Thomas Tuchel’s first competitive tournament in charge, but preparations for this game have been hampered by a number of big-name withdrawals from the squad. Those are hardly well-timed for Tuchel, who is looking to collect a first win on English shores in 2026 (D1, L1), but Wembley tends to bring results for an England side who’ve lost just one competitive game here since October 2020.
Spain continue to prove to be an irresistible force, scooping the World Cup over the summer to add to their Euro 2024 title. The UNL is the one honour which eludes them at present, something they’ve been reeling about having been beaten in the final of the last edition by neighbours Portugal on penalties. La Roja have proven to be a real force in this competition though, reaching the final in each of the last three editions (W1, L2), and having lost none of their last 38 fixtures inside 90 minutes (W28, D10) - an all-time record in international football - it’s difficult to see a way in which they don’t extend that run in this edition.
Head-to-Head History
Spain have won six of the last nine H2Hs (D1, L2) and the two prior UNL H2Hs saw the away side on the day win on both occasions.
Hot Stats and Streaks
England’s last five games saw both teams score.
England have only won one of their last nine UNL League A fixtures (D3, L5).
Spain kept seven clean sheets in their last eight games.
Spain’s last seven UNL matches all produced over 2.5 goals.
Key Players to Watch and Missing Players
Bukayo Saka netted a hat-trick in England’s third-place game at the World Cup, with all 17 of his international goals coming in winning causes (W12). Arsenal teammate Mikel Merino has a growing reputation for scoring late goals, with eight of his last nine for club or country arriving after half-time, including two decisive strikes beyond the 85th minute at the summer’s World Cup.
Declan Rice, Cole Palmer and Marcus Rashford pulled out of the England squad, while Tottenham’s Pedro Porro did the same for Spain.
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Betting Analysis
England flattered to deceive over the summer, and with Spain dominating international football at present, backing an away win makes sense.
Author: Chris Wilson