England welcome world and European champions Spain to Wembley on Saturday evening for the opening match of their 2026-27 UEFA Nations League campaigns.
The Group A3 contest is the first meeting since Spain defeated the Three Lions in the Euro 2024 final. Croatia and Czechia complete a competitive section from which the leading two nations will qualify for the quarter-finals.
England return to action after finishing third at the 2026 World Cup, while Spain arrive for their first match since beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time to become world champions.
England vs Spain: Key Stats
Spain have won their last five matches in all competitions
La Roja have not lost inside 90 minutes since facing Colombia in March 2024
Both teams have scored in each of the last four meetings
England have conceded in each of their previous five matches
England lead the overall series with 14 wins from 28 meetings, compared with Spain's 11
Photo Credit (Getty Images)
What to Expect
England are expected to defend in a compact 4-2-3-1 before accelerating through Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon. Jude Bellingham should operate behind Harry Kane, whose movement and finishing remain the hosts' clearest route to unsettling Spain.
Thomas Tuchel must rebuild his midfield without Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo, while Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford and Tino Livramento have also withdrawn. Elliot Anderson and Alex Scott could therefore form an inexperienced double pivot, with James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White offering alternatives.
Spain should dominate possession through Rodri and Pedri, allowing Dani Olmo to receive between England's midfield and defensive lines. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams will stretch the pitch, while Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to lead the attack despite Ferran Torres' strong club form.
Pedro Porro has withdrawn through injury, making Eric Garcia the likely right-back. Joan Garcia is also unavailable, Gavi is suspended for the opener and Marcos Llorente has retired from international football, but Luis de la Fuente still retains 22 members of his World Cup-winning squad.
Predicted Lineups
England (4-2-3-1)
Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Scott; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Spain (4-2-3-1)
Simon; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Nico Williams; Oyarzabal
Players to Watch
Harry Kane - England's captain remains the focal point of Tuchel's attack after producing his best individual season and averaging 1.7 shots on target per match at the World Cup. His finishing can punish Spain if Bellingham and Saka break through the visitors' press.
Bukayo Saka - Saka scored a hat-trick in England's extraordinary 6-4 World Cup victory over France. His direct duel with Marc Cucurella gives England one of their most promising attacking routes.
Lamine Yamal - The winger remains Spain's most unpredictable attacker despite scoring only once at the World Cup. His creativity, close control and ability to move inside can expose England's uncertainty at right-back.
Pedri - Pedri should dictate Spain's tempo alongside Rodri and exploit England's reshaped midfield. His ability to receive under pressure and progress possession could give La Roja territorial control at Wembley.
Prediction
Prediction: Both Teams to Score @ 1.65
England's five withdrawals weaken the structure around their defence, particularly with Rice and Mainoo unavailable against Spain's outstanding midfield. La Roja possess enough movement and technical quality to create chances through Yamal, Olmo, Williams and Oyarzabal.
However, Wembley and a front four containing Saka, Bellingham, Gordon and Kane should give England a genuine scoring threat. Both sides have found the net in the last four meetings, and England have conceded in five consecutive matches. Spain are the more settled team and can edge an entertaining contest, with a 2-1 away victory the preferred scoreline.
