England return to Wembley on Saturday night for their first game since finishing third at the 2026 World Cup. Waiting for them are the team who actually lifted the trophy.
Spain followed their Euro 2024 success by becoming world champions this summer, beating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final. They now begin their Nations League campaign as part of Group A3 alongside England, Croatia and Czechia.
England’s summer was hardly a disaster either. Thomas Tuchel’s side reached the World Cup semi-finals before losing to Argentina, then beat France in a wild 6-4 third-place play-off.
The problem heading into Saturday is the casualty list.
Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have all withdrawn from the squad.
Spain arrive at Wembley with problems of their own, but the world champions still have Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Rodri available.
It’s quite a way to start a Nations League campaign for both sides.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
What are the best betting tips for England vs Spain?
Spain draw no bet
England at Wembley are difficult to oppose outright, so the draw-no-bet market gives us a little protection.
Spain arrive as European and world champions. More importantly, there hasn’t been much evidence of a post-tournament drop-off yet because this is their first game since beating Argentina in July.
Luis de la Fuente has retained 22 members of his World Cup-winning squad.
England’s midfield situation makes this particularly interesting.
Rice and Mainoo have both withdrawn. Palmer is also unavailable, leaving Tuchel without several players who could have helped England compete with Spain centrally.
Spain should still be able to field Rodri and Pedri in midfield, with Yamal providing the threat from the right.
Home advantage keeps us away from simply backing Spain to win. But if there is a winner at Wembley, the visitors have enough control and attacking quality to make this market appealing.
Harry Kane 2+ shots
England may spend periods without the ball on Saturday, but that doesn’t necessarily make Kane a bad shots selection.
In fact, England’s approach against Spain could suit him.
Tuchel has previously spoken about England embracing their own strengths rather than trying to replicate Spain’s possession game.
Anthony Gordon echoed that message this week, arguing that England should lean into their physical qualities.
That could mean getting the ball forward more quickly when possession changes.
Kane remains the obvious focal point. He can drop into midfield to link play, but when England attack the penalty area, he is still the player most likely to finish the move.
We’re not asking him to score against the world champions. Two attempts across 90 minutes is a much smaller requirement.
Lamine Yamal to score or assist
England’s left side could have a long evening.
Lewis Hall is in the squad but missed training on Wednesday and is considered a doubt for the game.
England are already without Livramento, further reducing Tuchel’s options at full-back.
Unfortunately, Spain happen to have Lamine Yamal waiting on that flank.
The Barcelona winger remains one of the key players in De la Fuente’s squad after helping Spain add the World Cup to their European title this summer.
His ability to stay wide before cutting inside creates an awkward decision for England’s left-back. Get too tight and Yamal can beat his man. Stand off and he has room to create.
Taking a goal or assist rather than simply backing Yamal to score covers both sides of his game.
With Spain expected to enjoy plenty of possession, he should get opportunities to influence the match.
BET £10 TODAY AND GET £30 IN FREE BETS TO USE ON THE NATIONS LEAGUE WITH MIDNITE
Where can I watch England vs Spain?
England vs Spain takes place at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 26.
Kick-off is at 7:45 pm BST.
The match will be shown live in the UK on ITV, with all four of England’s matches during this international window being broadcast by the channel.
What have the managers said?
Thomas Tuchel:
Tuchel described the start of the Nations League campaign as a chance for a fresh start after England’s World Cup run.
Speaking when announcing his squad, he said:
“We feel the gap is closing and we want to prove a point.”
England’s ultimate target is already clear. Euro 2028 will be played across the UK and Ireland, and Tuchel has said the objective is to win it.
“The target is to win the home Euros.”
Spain provide a fairly useful early indication of how close England actually are.
Tuchel called Saturday’s fixture a “new beginning”, with the reigning world champions providing his first test since the World Cup.
Luis de la Fuente:
Spain aren’t treating their World Cup victory as the end of anything.
De la Fuente has instead framed the Nations League as the beginning of another cycle.
“It’s a new story and a new film.”
The Spain boss added:
“We want to be the stars of this new film.”
It is a fairly clear message from a manager whose side now have targets on their backs after winning Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup.
De la Fuente has acknowledged that reality too, saying Spain know they are now “the team to beat”.
What is England’s predicted team?
(4-2-3-1) Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Guéhi, Konsa, Lewis-Skelly; Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Rogers, Gordon; Kane.
Injured: Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Marcus Rashford, Tino Livramento.
Doubt: Lewis Hall.
England’s withdrawals could force Tuchel into a reshuffle, particularly in midfield. Elliot Anderson should have an opportunity alongside Jude Bellingham, while Morgan Rogers is another option centrally.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in the squad after missing the World Cup and could return at right-back. Tuchel has challenged him to fight for his place.
What is Spain’s predicted team?
(4-3-3) Unai Simón; Mingueza, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Merino; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Nico Williams.
Injured: Pedro Porro.
Spain could make several changes from the XI which started the World Cup final, with Dean Huijsen back in the squad.
Porro has withdrawn after suffering an injury with Tottenham, removing one of De la Fuente’s options at right-back.
The spine remains formidable, though. Rodri and Pedri give Spain control through midfield, while Yamal and Nico Williams can stretch England from either wing.
England vs Spain prediction
This feels like a much tougher Nations League opener for England than Wembley usually provides.
Tuchel’s side are capable of hurting Spain. Kane, Saka, Gordon and Bellingham give England enough attacking quality to create chances even if they spend long spells without possession.
The midfield absences are harder to ignore.
Playing Spain without Rice, Mainoo and Palmer takes away several of Tuchel’s options in the area where De la Fuente’s side are at their strongest.
Spain also arrive with the confidence that comes from winning pretty much everything available to them.
England should make it competitive, particularly at Wembley, but the visitors may have slightly too much control.
Score prediction: England 1-2 Spain
Some links in this article are affiliate links. EPL Bets receives commission from qualifying activity made through these links. This does not affect the odds or offers available to you. Odds available at the time of writing. 18+ New customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £30 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
