Spain unbeaten in regular time for more than two years: England vs Spain prediction
The opening-round clash of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League between England and Spain will take place on September 26 at Wembley Stadium in London. The teams are in League A Group 3, and this will be their first meeting since the Euro 2024 final, when Spain won 2-1.
England: World Cup bronze and major personnel losses
England finished third at the 2026 World Cup. Thomas Tuchel’s side lost 2-1 to Argentina in the semifinals before beating France 6-4 in an astonishingly high-scoring third-place playoff. Earlier in the tournament, the English had also recorded successive victories over DR Congo, Mexico and Norway.
Injuries have significantly weakened the squad ahead of the Nations League opener. Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have left the national team camp, while Lewis Hall’s involvement remains doubtful. England still boasts a formidable attacking group featuring Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane.
Spain: World and European champions continue winning streak
Spain arrive in London as the reigning European and world champions. At the 2026 World Cup, Luis de la Fuente’s team defeated Austria, Portugal, Belgium and France before edging Argentina 1-0 in the final.
Spain have not lost in regular time since a friendly against Colombia in March 2024. The squad still features plenty of star quality: Rodri and Pedri control the midfield, while Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Nico Williams could lead the attack. Ferran Torres also started the club season with seven goals in six matches and is in contention for a place up front.
Probable lineups
- England: Pickford, Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Riley, Anderson, Scott, Saka, Bellingham, Gordon, Kane.
- Spain: Simón, Eric García, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella, Rodri, Pedri, Yamal, Olmo, Nico Williams, Oyarzabal.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Spain beat England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.
- England have won 14 of the previous 28 meetings, while Spain have won 11.
- Spain won their last five matches at the 2026 World Cup and conceded just one goal during that run.
Wembley against an unbeaten side: England vs Spain prediction
England have home advantage and possess an attack capable of causing problems for any defense. However, their numerous midfield absences could prove especially costly against Spain, who are adept at keeping the ball for long spells and forcing opponents to work hard without it.
Spain head into the clash in more stable shape and have avoided any serious downturns for almost two years. A comfortable win at Wembley should not be expected, but the world champions’ midfield quality and current form could prove decisive in an evenly matched contest.
