Spain recovered from a half-time deficit to beat England 3-2 in a UEFA Nations League match at Wembley on Saturday, extending the world champions’ unbeaten run to 39 matches, a European record.
The hosts took the lead shortly before half-time. Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon scored in the 36th minute after a move that began in England’s own half, and Harry Kane headed a second four minutes later from Nico O’Reilly’s cross, with the ball diverting off Marc Cucurella.
England had earlier been exposed at the back when Marc Guehi’s mistimed pass allowed Spain teenager Lamine Yamal to pounce. Yamal collected the loose ball and curled a left-footed effort that struck the inside of the post, as Spain created several early chances.
England were awarded a penalty early in the second half for a Rodri foul on Jude Bellingham after a VAR review, but Kane slipped on his spot-kick, smashing his attempt against the crossbar.
Spain took advantage of that reprieve. Substitute Alex Baena reduced the deficit on the hour after Dani Olmo won the ball in midfield, and Mikel Oyarzabal steered a second for Spain past goalkeeper James Trafford to complete the comeback.
Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s head coach, said he felt his team had largely been in control and believed they could have recovered even from a larger deficit. He was quoted describing the run as “sensational moments” and said the team still wanted to grow and improve.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said ahead of the match that the fixture did not represent a fresh start for his team. Kane reflected on the performance, telling ITV that England had not managed to sustain their best level for a full 90 minutes and that the pattern had been similar to their World Cup campaign.
According to reports, Spain will host Croatia in their next Nations League Group A3 fixture, while England travel to the Czech Republic.
Both match reports appeared on Channels Television and Vanguard, based on the same wire coverage.
Featured image: Voltmetro via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
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