England begin their UEFA Nations League 2026-27 campaign with a marquee home fixture against reigning world champions Spain on Saturday, September 26, at Wembley Stadium in London. Kick-off is at 7:45pm local time (18:45 GMT).
The clash is a rematch of the UEFA Euro 2024 final, which Spain won 2-1 in Berlin, Germany, to claim a record fourth European crown. La Roja, the 2023 Nations League winners, are aiming to add a second title after finishing runners-up to Portugal in the last edition in 2025. England, meanwhile, achieved their best result in the inaugural 2019 edition, finishing third. They return to League A after winning Group B2 in their previous appearance.
Group A3 also includes Croatia and Czechia. The UEFA Nations League was founded in 2018 to reduce meaningless friendlies and provide competitive matches against equally-ranked teams. The competition features promotion and relegation across Europe.
Opta’s supercomputer gives Spain a 40.2% chance of victory, while England have a 33.6% probability. The draw is rated at 26.2%. Spain have won six of their last nine meetings with England. England’s recent form reads W-L-W-W-W, while Spain have won their last five.
All English hopes rest on captain and Ballon d’Or frontrunner Harry Kane, who recently became the fastest player to 100 Bundesliga goals. Jude Bellingham has impressed under new Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho, with three goals and three assists in seven La Liga games. For Spain, Ferran Torres is buzzing after a hat-trick on his Champions League debut for Paris Saint-Germain, and Lamine Yamal has seven La Liga goals, joint-second-highest.
England coach Thomas Tuchel said: “The more you analyse Spain and their last matches, you have to admire the way they defend. They added this to their game. It’s difficult for every team in the world to create chances against Spain. But we have a plan, ambition, and we want to be the exception. At the moment, they are a very complete team.” Spain coach Luis de la Fuente added: “I know what these players are made of. We are not satisfied with what we have done so far, I guarantee it. One story is over; now another begins. We are very excited. We want to continue doing important things, to continue making historic records.”
England are without winger Marcus Rashford (knock) and attacking midfielder Cole Palmer (muscle injury). Spain are missing centre-back Marc Pubill (physical discomfort) and goalkeeper Joan Garcia (knee injury). Probable England XI: Jordan Pickford; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Miles Lewis-Skelly; Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane. Probable Spain XI: Unai Simon; Eric Garcia, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Fermin Lopez, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams.
Source: www.aljazeera.com