Nations League: England defeat Spain in Madrid

15.11.26 FT UEFA Nations League A

Spain

2

:

England

3

England stunned Spain on Sunday evening at Madrid's Metropolitano, winning 3-2 in the final matchday of the 2026-2027 Nations League group stage.

In a truly wild match, Thomas Tuchel's men built a three-goal lead through Harry Kane, Ezri Konsa and Ben White, before watching La Roja fight their way back into the game. Despite coming under pressure late on, the Three Lions held firm to claim a valuable win and finish top of their group.

Kane gets the Three Lions going as Konsa and White pile on the misery for Spain

England quickly made their intentions clear in this showdown, pressing the world champions intensely. In the opening minutes, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane tested Unai Simon. After several attempts, the English were rewarded in the 44th minute. Following a through ball from Declan Rice, Harry Kane outpaced the Spanish defence before being brought down by Pau Cubarsí in the box. After a VAR review, Clément Turpin awarded a penalty, which the 2026 Ballon d'Or winner converted calmly (1-0).

The Three Lions quickly extended their lead after the break. In the 53rd minute, Ezri Konsa capitalised on a perfectly delivered corner from Declan Rice, meeting the ball and beating Unai Simon from close range.

Four minutes later, Ben White made it 3-0. At the end of a superb team move started by Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, the Arsenal defender finished with precision, stunning the Madrid crowd.

La Roja's revival puts England under pressure

Just as England seemed to have taken control of the match for good, Spain were handed a major turning point in the 62nd minute. Lamine Yamal was brought down in the box by Elliot Anderson. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot and sent off the English midfielder. Mikel Oyarzabal converted the penalty in the 65th minute, bringing La Roja back to 3-1 and giving them renewed hope.

Spain's pressure intensified after Nico Williams came on. In the 76th minute, the Athletic Bilbao forward met Lamine Yamal's cross perfectly to score Spain's second goal (3-2).

The match then became particularly intense. Roared on by their fans, Spain launched wave after wave of attacks in an attempt to snatch an equaliser. But James Trafford stood firm. The victory represents an excellent result in the standings for Thomas Tuchel's men. With both teams already qualified for the next stage of the competition, they were vying for top spot in the group. Thanks to this win in Madrid, England finish ahead of Spain.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr

Related teams and leagues

Spain

England

UEFA Nations League A