Spain start Nations League with win over England

Spain have begun their Nations League campaign with a significant away victory, defeating England at Wembley after surrendering an early lead. The result gives the recently crowned world champions a winning start, while England begin the competition with a home defeat.

Spain won 3-2 in a match that changed direction several times. Lamine Yamal put the visitors ahead in the second minute, but England responded before half-time through Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane. Kane then had a chance to extend the advantage from the penalty spot, only to strike the crossbar in the 54th minute.

Spain recovered after the interval. Alex Baena levelled in the 60th minute before Mikel Oyarzabal restored the visitors’ advantage 14 minutes later with a delicate finish. England could not find another equaliser, leaving Spain with all three points from the opening fixture.

Yamal’s goal made him one of the early decisive figures in the contest, but Spain’s response after falling behind proved the defining factor. For England, Kane’s missed penalty came with the team in front and preceded Spain’s second-half revival.