Spain came from behind to beat England 3-2 at Wembley in an entertaining Nations League contest, with Harry Kane missing a penalty as the European champions extended their unbeaten run to 39 matches.
Lamine Yamal opened the scoring for Spain after capitalising on a defensive error, before Anthony Gordon and Kane turned the match around for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
England’s lead disappeared after the interval, however, as substitutes Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal scored to complete Spain’s comeback.
The result denied England a win after their painful World Cup exit and gave Spain another victory over the side they beat in the Euro 2024 final.
England endured a troubled opening. Marc Guehi, attempting to clear in the second minute, turned back towards goalkeeper James Trafford without realising Yamal was behind him.
The teenager collected possession and curled a left-footed shot against the inside of the post. Spain continued to threaten, with Ferran Torres having a goal ruled out for offside, another effort saved by Trafford and a further chance missed with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Yamal then created an opportunity for Dani Olmo, who sent his effort wide, but England gradually found a way into the match through their play on the wings.
Gordon finished a swift counter-attack in the 36th minute after England won the ball deep in their own half. Jude Bellingham supplied the pass, allowing the winger to drive forward and guide his shot beyond Unai Simon.
England moved ahead four minutes later when Kane rose to meet Nico O’Reilly’s cross. The header took a deflection off Marc Cucurella before finding the net.
Tuchel’s side began the second half positively and were awarded a penalty after a VAR review found that Rodri had fouled Bellingham. Kane slipped slightly as he took the kick, sending his attempt against the crossbar.
Spain made England pay on the hour. O’Reilly lost possession to Olmo and Baena steered the ball home to level the contest.
Baena then turned provider, lifting a delicate finish over Trafford for Oyarzabal to put Spain back in front. England could not find another response as Spain preserved their record unbeaten sequence for a European team.
