England lost 3-2 to world champions Spain in front of 84,525 fans at Wembley on a chaotic night. Lamine Yamal put Spain ahead in the second minute, but Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored either side of goals from Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal. Kane also missed a penalty that would have put England two goals ahead.
Hall's case boosted without playing
Lewis Hall's case to start for Thomas Tuchel's England in the rest of the autumn UEFA Nations League programme was strengthened without him kicking a ball. Hall missed some training this week with a strain, and Nico O'Reilly survived a wave of second-half changes from Tuchel, suggesting Hall is not fully fit.
O'Reilly's sloppy play and decision to turn back to his own goal gifted Spain a simple goal. The Manchester City player rolled a hospital pass to Dani Olmo, who set up substitute Alex Baena to score. Fellow substitute Mikel Oyarzabal then lifted the ball over James Trafford 14 minutes later with O'Reilly off the pace. Whether Hall is fit to start against Czechia on Tuesday night remains to be seen, but if he is, he should walk back into the team.
Gordon's striking difference since Newcastle exit
Elliot Anderson cashed in on sloppiness from Nico Williams before setting Gordon free. Gordon's sublime backheel to Jude Bellingham allowed him to spring ahead, receive a pass, and make a lung-busting run before slotting the ball past Unai Simon.
Moments later, Saka slipped the ball to Harry Kane, who opted to shoot rather than lay it off for the unmarked former Newcastle man, sending it wide. Gordon buried his head in his hands. Seconds later, Gordon found Nico O'Reilly down the left, and his cross found Kane, who headed it home via a deflection off Marc Cucurella as England grabbed a second in four minutes.
Gordon looked like a player who had taken things up a level after fizzling out at Newcastle last season. He has been showered with love at Barcelona, whereas on Tyneside last season, Newcastle lacked cohesion and Gordon left without a proper goodbye. His number came up with 20 minutes left as he was replaced by £117m man Morgan Rogers. Gordon is playing with his head up now compared to the version who suffered with a Newcastle team that ended in 12th place last term before his £69m move to Barcelona.
Pickford axed for Trafford
The 32-year-old World Cup star was a surprise omission from the England team sheet at Wembley as James Trafford started between the posts. As Pickford closes in on 100 caps, with 91 so far, the Wearsider has learned he will share UEFA Nations League duties with the Leeds star. Trafford was beaten three times but made some good saves. Tuchel insisted the pair will play two games each in the autumn series of internationals.
