England's first match since the World Cup is Saturday at Wembley. Spain arrive as world champions, unbeaten in 38.
England's first match since their World Cup bronze comes against the world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday, with five England players already withdrawn from the squad.
England host Spain at Wembley on Saturday, the opening night of Nations League Group A3 and England's first match since the World Cup. Kickoff is 7.45pm local, 2.45pm ET, 11.45am PT. 12
What England bring
Thomas Tuchel's side finished third at the World Cup, losing the semi-final to Argentina 2-1 after leading with 15 minutes left, then beating France 6-4. 3
Five players have withdrawn from the squad since it was named: Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento, with James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White called up in their place. 4 Rio Ngumoha, 18, was left out of the matchday squad. 5
England have won six of their past 15 matches against top-10 opponents, and Tuchel's only win over one of them was the third-place game. 6
What Spain bring
Spain arrive as world and European champions, unbeaten in 38 matches, a record for men's international football, since a friendly defeat by Colombia in March 2024. 7
Luis de la Fuente kept 22 of his 26 World Cup winners, among them Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Pedri. Gavi is suspended, Joan García injured and Pedro Porro withdrawn, leaving Espanyol's Roberto Fernández, six goals in six league games, the one new face. 8
The ball decides this. Tuchel wants England to be "for 10 minutes, a little bit more like Spain", while England's lowest possession in their past 15 games against top-10 sides came against Argentina, 35.8%, and Spain in the Euro 2024 final, 34.9%. 36
Verdict: Spain should win, and Yamal finding space early is the likeliest way; the counterweight is a full Wembley and England's speed and directness. 9
Quote of the Day
"I think it's just in those biggest moments, still being ourselves … We are very close, we have been very close but ultimately, we don't need to fear anyone." — Harry Kane, England captain 6
References
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