SoccerSep 26
Spain rally past England after Kane penalty miss at Wembley
Mikel Oyarzabal struck the winner as Spain recovered to beat England 3-2 in their Nations League opener and extend their unbeaten run to 39 games.
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England recover from early setback
England turned a difficult start into a halftime lead at Wembley, but Spain’s second-half response left Thomas Tuchel’s side empty-handed on their return to the Nations League’s top tier. The world champions went ahead after Marc Guéhi lost possession under pressure, allowing Lamine Yamal to finish via the inside of the far post. James Trafford, selected ahead of Jordan Pickford, then denied Ferran Torres as Spain threatened to take control. England found a way back through a swift counterattack. Elliot Anderson capitalised on a Nico Williams slip, and Anthony Gordon exchanged passes with Jude Bellingham before driving home a low equaliser in the 36th minute. Harry Kane put the hosts ahead in the 40th minute, meeting Nico O’Reilly’s cross with a header that Marc Cucurella could not keep out.
Penalty miss opens door for Spain
England had an opportunity to strengthen their position after Bellingham went down under a Rodri challenge. A video review resulted in a penalty, but Kane slipped during his 54th-minute attempt, striking the ball against his standing foot and onto the crossbar. Spain took advantage through substitute Álex Baena. Dani Olmo intercepted a loose O’Reilly pass, and Baena finished from 20 yards to restore parity. The substitute then helped deliver the decisive moment in the 74th minute. Spain worked patiently through England before Baena released Oyarzabal, who lifted his finish over Trafford. Tuchel’s team pressed for a late equaliser, with Bellingham forcing a stoppage-time save from Unai Simon, but Spain held firm. England were left to reflect on a missed opportunity after recovering impressively from their shaky opening.
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