England vs Spain Highlights & Replay

On 2026-09-26, the UEFA Nations League witnessed a heavyweight encounter between England and Spain that lived up to its billing. Both sides showcased why they are considered among the world's elite in a contest defined by shifting tides and clinical finishing.

Early Shocks and English Resilience

The match ignited almost immediately when Spain took advantage of a defensive lapse in the 2nd minute. Marc Guehi’s mistimed clearance allowed Lamine Yamal to pounce, slotting the ball home with his left foot. England appeared rattled early on, and were fortunate when a potential second goal by Ferran Torres was ruled out for offside following a VAR review in the 8th minute.

As the first half progressed, the "Three Lions" found their footing. In the 36th minute, Jude Bellingham turned provider for Anthony Gordon, who unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box to equalize. The momentum stayed with the hosts, and just four minutes later, Harry Kane headed home from close range following a pinpoint delivery by Nico O'Reilly, completing a rapid turnaround before the break.

The Turning Point and Spanish Revival

The second half provided the game's most dramatic sequence. In the 53rd minute, Rodri conceded a penalty for a trip on Jude Bellingham. However, the stadium fell silent as Harry Kane’s spot-kick rattled the crossbar and stayed out. That miss proved costly; in the 60th minute, Spain capitalized on an error by Nico O'Reilly, with Alejandro Baena firing home from distance to level the scores at 2-2.

With the game on a knife-edge, Spain reclaimed the lead in the 74th minute through a moment of individual brilliance. Aymeric Laporte orchestrated the move, finding Alejandro Baena, who assisted Mikel Oyarzabal. The substitute produced an exquisite lob with his left foot that left the goalkeeper stranded, putting the visitors 3-2 ahead.

Late Drama and Final Whistle

England threw everything forward in the closing stages, introducing Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarrad Branthwaite to influence the game. Deep into stoppage time, Jude Bellingham nearly rescued a point with a late effort, but Unai Simon made a vital save to preserve the lead. Despite 51% possession and late pressure from the hosts, Spain held firm to secure a hard-fought victory in front of 84,525 fans.