World champions Spain came from behind to defeat England 3-2 at Wembley on Saturday, extending their extraordinary unbeaten run to 39 matches and denying the hosts a victory in their Nations League encounter.

Luis de la Fuente’s side endured a difficult spell after initially dominating the match, but goals from substitutes Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal helped Spain complete the comeback in an entertaining League A, Group 3 fixture.

The result also continued Spain’s remarkable record against England after their victory in the Euro 2024 final.

England endured a nightmare opening as Lamine Yamal capitalised on a mistake from defender Marc Guehi. Spain could have taken a commanding lead during the early stages as they created several opportunities.

However, England gradually found their rhythm and responded in the 36th minute. Barcelona winger Anthony Gordon finished a well-worked team move to bring the hosts level.

Just four minutes later, England turned the match around. Captain Harry Kane rose to meet Nico O’Reilly’s cross, with the ball taking a deflection off Marc Cucurella before finding the net.

England had an opportunity to increase their advantage shortly after halftime when they were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a Rodri foul on Jude Bellingham.

Kane stepped up to take the spot kick but slipped slightly as he struck the ball, sending his effort against the crossbar.

Spain quickly punished England for the missed opportunity.

Baena equalised on the hour mark after O’Reilly lost possession to Dani Olmo, allowing the Spanish side to attack. Baena calmly finished the move to make it 2-2.

Spain then completed the comeback when Baena turned provider for Oyarzabal. The forward lifted the ball over England goalkeeper James Trafford to give the visitors a 3-2 lead.

England were unable to find another equaliser as Spain held on for another victory.

Spain Maintain Extraordinary Unbeaten Record

The victory extended Spain’s unbeaten streak to 39 matches, a record for a European national team.

De la Fuente said he believed Spain had largely controlled the contest despite England’s strong spell and suggested his team would have continued fighting even if they had fallen further behind.

Speaking about the team’s lengthy unbeaten run, he said: “These are sensational moments…. Numbers are one thing, objective indicators are what we see. But what is important is that we still want to grow, we still want to improve.”

The result further underlined Spain’s consistency under De la Fuente, with the team continuing to produce strong performances against major European opposition.

England Left to Reflect on Missed Opportunities

England showed considerable attacking improvement after their shaky opening and took a 2-1 lead into halftime, but they were unable to maintain their best level for the entire match.

Kane acknowledged that England had again struggled to put together a complete performance over 90 minutes.

“I spoke before that we reached good levels at the World Cup but didn’t quite put a full 90 minutes together,” he told ITV. “Probably similar again today.”

England manager Thomas Tuchel had insisted before the match that the fixture did not represent a fresh beginning for his team. Nevertheless, England’s nervous start put them under considerable pressure.

Guehi was fortunate not to concede when he attempted to clear the ball in the second minute. His decision to turn back towards goalkeeper James Trafford allowed Yamal to steal possession and curl a left-footed effort against the inside of the post.

Spain continued to threaten, with Ferran Torres having a goal ruled out for offside before forcing another save from Trafford.

Torres later missed another opportunity with only the goalkeeper to beat, while Yamal also created a chance for Dani Olmo, who sent his attempt narrowly wide.

England eventually punished Spain’s missed chances when Gordon finished a swift counterattack. After winning possession deep inside their own half, England moved quickly forward, with Gordon collecting Bellingham’s pass before confidently beating Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon.

Kane then put England ahead with his header, dramatically changing the atmosphere inside Wembley.

Kane’s Penalty Miss Proves Costly

England began the second half strongly and appeared capable of extending their advantage when they earned the penalty.

Kane, however, was unable to convert the opportunity, striking the crossbar.

Spain took advantage almost immediately, with Baena bringing the visitors level before Oyarzabal completed the turnaround.

The defeat means England will have to regroup ahead of their next Nations League fixture, while Spain will look to maintain their remarkable unbeaten sequence.

Spain are scheduled to host Croatia in their next Nations League Group A3 match on Tuesday, while England will travel to the Czech Republic.