England fell to a 3-2 defeat against Spain in their first UEFA Nations League match at Wembley, a little over two months on from the World Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Argentina. Anthony Gordon scored England's first goal against the world champions, while Bukayo Saka also impressed with a 7/10 rating. Nico O'Reilly was the lowest-rated player with a 4/10.
Spain take early lead
It was the visitors' first match since being crowned world champions in July and they wasted little time going in front. Lamine Yamal stole the ball from Marc Guehi and made no mistake against James Trafford on the Leeds keeper's competitive international debut. The Three Lions grew into the game but continued to leave gaps at the back and were twice grateful for poor finishing from Ferran Torres.
England fight back
Spain were made to rue those misses when England hit them on the break as Anthony Gordon ran onto a Jude Bellingham pass and rolled the ball into the back of Unai Simon's net. The leveller sparked England into life and Harry Kane was desperately close to curling home a second before the break. Fans barely had time to catch their breath before Kane got his goal, though it might go down as a Marc Cucurella own goal after the defender swung a leg at the England captain's header and diverted it beyond Simon.
However, the Bayern Munich star missed a golden chance to make it three when he slammed a penalty against the crossbar after Rodri brought down Bellingham. England were punished just a few minutes later when Alex Baena curled in from the edge of the box. It got even worse when Euro 2024 winner Mikel Oyarzabal broke England hearts from the bench once again.
Player ratings
James Trafford - 5
Out smartly to deny Ferran Torres after Spain were left with a two-on-one. Had no chance with Lamine Yamal's opener but maybe could have got down better for Baena's effort. Some nervy moments on the ball as well.
Jarell Quansah - 6
Asleep at the back to play Torres onside for that early chance. Better going forward, regularly found space down the right as Saka kept Cucurella busy and might have even scored early in the second half. However, he undid some of that good work when he switched off for Spain's third.
Ezri Konsa - 5
Important recovery challenge to keep out Cucurella at 1-0 and was confident at the back even as other defenders weren't. Right up until allowing Oyarzabal too much time and space to dink over Trafford.
Marc Guehi - 5
Caught badly in possession for Spain's opener less than two minutes in but didn't let it shape his entire evening. Booked 20 minutes from time.
Nico O'Reilly - 4
Not wholly convincing up against Yamal, leading to a decent Dani Olmo chance late in the first half. Found things tough early in the second period as well and was at fault for Spain's second before picking up a yellow card.
Elliot Anderson - 6
Almost gifted Spain a second before the half hour mark and was bailed out by a poor Torres finish. Rarely looked worried on the ball otherwise and seems settled in Tuchel's midfield, providing a late chance for Garner with a smart through-ball.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 5
Loose pass gifted possession to Cucurella as Spain threatened an early second. Underwhelming, albeit against one of the best midfields he'll face, and didn't do enough with his one glimpse of goal.
Bukayo Saka - 7
Sharp early link-up play with Bellingham gave England their first proper foray into the Spain box. Looked England's most dangerous outlet right up until the time Gordon got their equaliser and was dangerously close to putting the hosts 3-2 up midway through the second half.
Jude Bellingham - 6
Started quietly but was pinpoint with his pass for Gordon's leveller. Grew into the game after half-time and was very sharp to win the penalty. Only impressed in flashes but almost came up with a late equaliser.
Anthony Gordon - 7
Got free down the left to force Unai Simon into early action and looked sharp even before the tidy finish for his goal. Looks to have benefited from surrounding himself with quality at Barcelona.
Harry Kane - 6
Was in the mood to spread passes from deep and allow the wingers to run in behind. First-half goal wasn't vintage Kane but he won't mind. He'll care a lot more about the penalty miss.
Substitutes
Garner (for Lewis-Skelly, 70) - n/a
Handed his first competitive minutes in the middle but didn't really get into the game.
Rogers (for Gordon, 70) - n/a
Under-used after adding his presence on the left. Switched wings when Gibbs-White joined him on the pitch.
Gibbs-White (for Saka, 82) - n/a
Lively in the moments after coming on and provided a decent outlet.
Calvert-Lewin (for Kane, 83) - n/a
Didn't have time to stamp his mark on the game.
Branthwaite (for Guehi, 89) - n/a
Barely had any time on the pitch.
