England vs. Spain: Predicted line-ups in the World Cup winner vs. bronze winner match

Many wanted a World Cup final between England and Spain, but instead an Argentina team full of sneaky tricks went all the way to the final, only to be stopped by an impressive Spanish team.

Finally, later today we get a duel between England, who will host the European Championship in two years’ time, and the reigning World Cup champions Spain. Spain have a uniquely strong national team manager in Luis de la Fuente, which would make them huge favourites in any tournament, while England have unfortunately opted for mediocre Thomas Tuchel. Sporten.com expert panel believes England can only win on the spectacular performances of individual players like Harry Kane as Tuchel is a “one trick pony”.

Read: Suddenly, it could be easy for Barcelona and Real Madrid to sign Erling Haaland and other Manchester City stars

There are ten Nations League matches also today, you can follow them all on our Live service.

England vs. Spain: Preview, expected line-ups and statistics.

UEFA Nations League, League A – Group 1

England – Spain
26/09/2026
19:45
Referee: Davide Massa

England vs. Spain Preview
England kick off their 2026/27 UEFA Nations League campaign with a big test on Saturday night when world champions Spain visit Wembley.

The Three Lions are back in League A after being promoted to the previous edition, but the opening match in Group A3 could hardly have been more demanding – against a Spanish side that followed up the European Championship by lifting the World Cup.

England have not played since finishing third at the 2026 World Cup, where they lost 2-1 in the semi-finals to Argentina before delivering a remarkable 6-4 victory over France in the bronze medal final.

The Nations League gives England four games in the extended international window, with Saturday’s meeting against Spain followed by away games against the Czech Republic and Croatia before the return leg against the Czechs at Wembley.

England have the historic advantage over Spain, with 14 wins out of 28 previous meetings in all competitions – against 11 losses.

However, Spain have won the last competitive match, beating England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final and securing the trophy.

Luis de la Fuente’s side now arrive at Wembley as world and European champions, having beaten Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the 2026 World Cup final.

Spain also won the Nations League in 2022/23, after beating Croatia on penalties in the final, while finishing second in both 2020/21 and 2024/25.

England vs Spain team news
England will have to do without five players who were originally selected for the international window, with Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento all withdrawing due to injury.

Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner have since been called up, while Lewis Hall has also had problems after missing training earlier in the week.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in the squad and could play right-back, although Jarell Quansah is another option in that position.

Rice’s absence gives Tuchel decisions in midfield, with Alex Scott among the players who could come into the team.

Joan García and Pedro Porro are absent due to injuries for Spain, while Marcos Llorente has retired as a national team player.

Gavi and Borja Iglesias have not been selected, while Iván Fresneda and Roberto Fernández are the two unmatches in the squad.

Nico Williams is also available after recovering from injury problems, while Mikel Oyarzabal could lead the attack despite Ferran Torres’ strong start to the season with Paris Saint-Germain.

Predicted England vs Spain starting line-ups
England: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guéhi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Scott; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Spain: Simón; E. García, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, N. Williams; Oyarzabal

Official line-ups are not yet available. They are usually announced 20-40 minutes before kick-off, depending on the competition.

Recent England vs Spain form and stats

• England have won 14 of their 28 previous meetings with Spain in all competitions.
• Spain won the last competitive encounter, beating England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.
• England have won four of their last five games, with their only loss to Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals.
• Spain have won their last five games, including the 1-0 win in the World Cup final against Argentina.
• Spain have been unbeaten in regulation time since their friendly against Colombia in March 2024.
• England are back in the Nations League League A after being promoted from League B in the 2024/25 edition.
• Spain won the Nations League in 2022/23 and finished second in the previous edition.

Recent results: England

Recent Results: Spain

England vs. Spain prediction
England will have home advantage and will be eager to get off to a strong start, but Spain arrive in London with an outstanding recent record and the confidence of world champions.

The Three Lions have enough attacking quality to make this a close game, especially at Wembley, but Spain’s ball control and high-pressure experience could give them the advantage.

Match Prediction
England 1-2 Spain

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