The result ended Spain’s historic 44-match unbeaten run in competitive games, a streak that had stood since March 2024.
First-half dominance
Thomas Tuchel’s side arrived in Madrid looking to secure top spot in the group. England immediately signaled their intent with a high-intensity press that disrupted Spain’s rhythm. Early in the match, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon both carved out clear scoring opportunities.
No saving that 🔥@HKane puts the #ThreeLions ahead against Spain at the interval 🫡 pic.twitter.com/FWNh3DEiPq
On 24 minutes, Bellingham fired wide following a precise pass from Harry Kane, while the England captain himself went close with a low shot past Simon’s post. England’s front six mirrored the personnel used in the World Cup semi-final against Argentina, providing a familiar and effective attacking structure.
The breakthrough arrived in the final seconds of the first half. After Elliot Anderson played the ball behind the Spanish backline, Harry Kane drew a foul from Pau Cubarsí inside the box. Following a VAR review, Kane stepped up to register his 93rd international goal on his 127th appearance, firing a powerful shot to the right of Unai Simón that left the goalkeeper helpless.
A strong first half showing from our #ThreeLions in Madrid 💪 pic.twitter.com/GAXsP0sfAI
Extending the lead
England maintained their momentum after the break. In the 53rd minute, Ezri Konsa—who had returned to the starting XI after missing the previous match against Croatia—rose unmarked to head home a corner delivered by Declan Rice.
Just four minutes later, the visitors moved further ahead when Ben White struck to make it 3–0. The goal capped a brilliant performance from White, who was making his first international start since March 2022.
𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 🌍 Lamine, Cubarsí, Pedri, Fermín and Gordon feature in the match between Spain and England (2-3) on Matchday 6 of the UEFA Nations League, with Lamine providing an assist. Livaković features in Croatia's 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over… pic.twitter.com/fe2zpKr6IN
Anderson Receives Red Card as Spain Narrows the Gap
The match dynamic changed in the 65th minute. Following an error by Jarell Quansah, Lamine Yamal gained possession and was fouled by Elliot Anderson in the area. The referee issued a red card to Anderson, reducing England to 10 men for the final half-hour. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the resulting penalty, sending James Trafford—who had been recalled to the starting lineup—the wrong way.
Spain intensified their pressure, and on 75 minutes, Nico Williams swept in a first-time cross from Yamal to narrow the gap to 3–2. The closing stages saw Spain lay siege to the England goal.
James Trafford, however, produced a series of heroics, including a stunning double save to deny Fermín López and a follow-up effort from Oyarzabal. Ben White also contributed a vital late tackle on Williams to prevent an equalizer.
England and Spain Advance to Nations League Quarter-Finals
With this result, England finished at the top of Group A3. They will now advance to the Nations League quarter-finals, with the draw taking place in November 2026 to determine their two-legged ties. Spain, despite the defeat, also progresses to the last eight of the competition.
“We knew we were going to beat them tonight. The messaging from the manager after the Croatia game was so positive, the message from the boys, everyone pushing together, knowing that we're going to come here and not just sit back and try and hit them on the counter.” midfielder Declan Rice told the outlet.
“Half an hour feels like two hours against a team like this [with 10 men]. That's the way it is. Without the red card we were clear winners” Thomas Tuchel continued on ITV.
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