Spain came from behind to beat England 3-2 at Wembley, handing Thomas Tuchel’s side a losing start to their Nations League campaign.
The world champions made a flying start when Lamine Yamal capitalised on Marc Guehi’s early mistake before calmly finishing past James Trafford.
England struggled to contain Spain during the opening stages, but gradually found a way back into the contest and turned the game around before half-time.
England fight back before the break
Anthony Gordon restored parity after 36 minutes, racing through on goal before keeping his composure to beat Unai Simon.
Harry Kane then put England ahead four minutes later when his header took a deflection off Marc Cucurella and found the net.
The hosts appeared to have seized control, but Spain were given a route back into the game when England failed to take a major opportunity early in the second half.
Jude Bellingham was brought down inside the penalty area after a VAR review, giving Kane the chance to extend England’s advantage from the spot.
Kane penalty miss proves costly
Kane, usually dependable from 12 yards, slipped while taking the penalty and made contact with the ball twice before his effort struck the crossbar.
Spain made England pay for the missed opportunity five minutes later.
Nico O’Reilly lost possession, allowing substitute Alex Baena to collect the ball before firing a low finish beyond Trafford from the edge of the area.
The visitors then completed their comeback with 16 minutes remaining.
A slick passing move opened up the England defence before Mikel Oyarzabal produced a delicate finish over Trafford to put Spain back in front.
Oyarzabal, who scored Spain’s winner against England in the Euro 2024 final, once again proved decisive against the Three Lions.
The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten run to 39 matches, while England were left to reflect on a defeat in which individual errors and missed chances proved costly.
