England will face Spain in a highly anticipated Nations League clash on Saturday, with both nations meeting for the first time since Spain defeated the Three Lions 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final.
Spain enter the game as reigning European and world champions after beating Argentina 1-0 in the 2026 World Cup final. The result also saw Spain sweep several of the tournament’s major individual awards, while Lionel Messi missed out after Argentina’s defeat.
England, meanwhile, finished third at the World Cup after losing 2-1 to Argentina before beating France 6-4 in a remarkable playoff. Thomas Tuchel remains in charge despite criticism following the semi-final defeat.
Team News
England will be without Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento, with all five withdrawing from Thomas Tuchel’s squad due to injury issues. Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner have been called up as replacements.
Lewis Hall is also a doubt after missing training, while Jarell Quansah could start ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Alex Scott is another option in midfield following Rice’s absence. Tuchel is expected to rely on Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane in attack.
For Spain, Joan Garcia is unavailable after suffering a knee injury, while Marcos Llorente has retired from international football. Gavi and Borja Iglesias were also left out of the squad.
Spain have added Josep Martínez, Dean Huijsen, Fermín López and Roberto Fernández to the squad, with Martínez and Roberto receiving their first call-ups
Possible Lineups
England: Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Scott; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Spain: Simon; E Garcia, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, N Williams; Oyarzabal.
Prediction
England 1-2 Spain. England have enough quality to make this a close contest, but Spain’s recent form and confidence could give them the edge.
How to Watch
| Region | Broadcaster |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | SuperSport |
| UK | ITV |
| Spain | RTVE |
| USA | ESPN |
