Spain came from behind to record a 2-1 win over England in their UEFA Nations League opener at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.
Marcus Rashford had sent 2018 World Cup semi-finalists England ahead in the 11th minute, but Saul Niguez levelled the scores two minutes later before Rodrigo Moreno netted a second for La Roja just past the half-hour mark.
Former world champions Spain will march on to face Croatia in their second match of the section on Tuesday, while England will take on Switzerland in a friendly on the same night.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live UEFA Nations League coverage continues from Wembley Stadium as England welcome Spain. The Three Lions impressively reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, but it was another competition to forget for Spain, who lost to the hosts Russia in the first knockout round. Both teams will play in the UEFA Nations League for the first ever time tonight, with 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia also joining the pair in what is an exciting section. Stay tuned for the action!
Tonight will be the 26th international meeting between England and Spain, and it is the Three Lions that lead the head-to-head 13 wins to nine. Only three of their previous 25 matches have finished level, but their last clash brought a 2-2 draw at Wembley in November 2016. Spain have won four of the last six meetings between the two teams, but only one of their last 10 match-ups has been a competitive fixture - England winning 4-2 on penalties to squeeze into the semi-finals of Euro 1996.
Right, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Wembley Stadium. England are without the services of Raheem Sterling through injury, while Diego Costa is absent for Spain.
TEAMS!
ENG: Pickford; Trippier, Maguire, Stones, Gomez, Shaw; Henderson, Alli, Lingard; Rashford, Kane
ESP: De Gea; Carvajal, Ramos, Nacho, Alonso; Saul, Busquets, Thiago; Isco, Rodrigo, Aspas
As mentioned, Sterling misses out for England through injury, meaning that there is a spot in the final third for Marcus Rashford alongside captain Harry Kane. Luke Shaw is rewarded for his excellent Manchester United form with a spot at left wing-back, while Liverpool's Joe Gomez starts ahead of Manchester City's Kyle Walker at centre-back. Jordan Pickford, Kieran Trippier, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Jordan Henderson, Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard were all part of England's World Cup XI.
We've just grabbed a word with @JHenderson! 🎤
Watch #LionsDen live right now: https://t.co/lB0Hg4eLpQ pic.twitter.com/aocVw2VZCh — England (@England) September 8, 2018
As for Spain, Luis Enrique's first XI includes two Premier League-based players in the shape of David de Gea and Marcos Alonso. Real Madrid's Nacho join club teammate Sergio Ramos at centre-back in the wake of Gerard Pique's retirement, while Saul Niguez is handed a spot in midfield. A fluid and interchanging front three sees Isco, Rodrigo Moreno and Iago Aspas all selected.
Football did not technically 'come home' during the summer, with England losing to Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup. However, there is no question that the Three Lions captured the imagination of the country with their charge to the latter stages of the competition in Russia.
After progressing through the group stages of the World Cup, England beat Colombia and Sweden to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. Kieran Trippier sent Gareth Southgate's side ahead on the night, but it was not to be as Croatia came from behind to win 2-1 in extra time.
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England also suffered a 2-0 defeat to Belgium in the third-place playoff, meaning that the Three Lions have actually lost three of their last five matches despite the recent positivity. Southgate's side will take on Spain tonight before hosting Switzerland in a friendly next week.
The UEFA Nations League has been designed to add a competitive element to the international break, and it will provide a summer tournament in the years without a World Cup or European Championship. Croatia are also in Group 4 of League A with England and Spain, and it will be very interesting to see how the Three Lions perform in their four matches against two excellent teams.
All calm in the #ThreeLions' dressing room... pic.twitter.com/0HRAAtaT23 — England (@England) September 8, 2018
It would be fair to say that the 2018 World Cup was another tournament to forget for Spain. The 2010 world champions had been tipped as one of the favourites to lift the trophy in Russia, with their collection of players certainly up there when it comes to the best international teams in world football.
Julen Lopetegui was sacked on the eve of the tournament after accepting the Real Madrid job, however, and Fernando Hierro placed in temporary charge. Spain managed to negotiate the group stages despite winning just once, but they lost on penalties to hosts Russia in the round of 16.
Now under the leadership of former Barcelona boss Enrique, Spain will be looking to put down a marker in this match. As mentioned above, La Roja picked up a 2-2 draw when they last travelled to Wembley in November 2016. Enrique has already caused a stir by leaving Barcelona's Jordi Alba out of the squad, and the likes of Pau Lopez, Jose Gaya and Dani Ceballos will be hoping to win their first senior international caps during the next couple of matches. Kickoff is fast approaching here!
⚠ OFICIAL | ¡Ya tenemos la alineación! ¡Con este XI debuta @LUISENRIQUE21 en la @SeFutbol y con él iniciamos nuestra andadura en la UEFA Nations League!#UnaNuevaIlusión pic.twitter.com/rpL1PM5xOm — Selección Española de Fútbol (@SeFutbol) September 8, 2018
Unlike England, Spain have another UEFA Nations League match next week as they host the group's other team Croatia on Tuesday night. It is not a competition that matters too much in the grand scheme of things, but there is no question that Enrique will be targeting back-to-back victories in his first two games in charge. It will be very interesting to see how Spain perform tonight.
Here we go then. Both sets of players have joined us on the pitch ahead of kickoff at Wembley Stadium. It is England versus Spain in the UEFA Nations League; stay tuned for the action!
KICKOFF: England kick things off on home soil...
... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium. England had kickoff and started with the ball, but Spain currently have possession inside their own half of the field.
Ramos finds Thiago with a searching pass, but the midfielder had just moved into an offside position. Ramos continues to be booed by the home fans, which he will absolutely love.
Not too much to report in the early stages, aside from Ramos being booed again and again. The Real Madrid captain will be absolutely loving this, and he is almost demanding the ball here.
Pass, pass, pass from Spain as they boss the early possession at Wembley Stadium.
Spain have a free kick in a wide position as Gomez brings Saul to the deck...
... Alonso delivers into Aspas, who heads back across goal, but Pickford ultimately claims.
Kane turns into space in the Spain half before looking to release Rashford, but Ramos steps across to make the challenge. Bit of possession for England now with 10 minutes on the clock here.
GOAL! ENGLAND 1-0 SPAIN (RASHFORD)
England lead! It is wonderful work from Shaw, with the left-back driving towards the Spain box before releasing Rashford, who slides the ball into the back of the net. Brilliant goal!
GOAL! ENGLAND 1-1 SPAIN (SAUL)
Spain level! It is super stuff from Rodrigo who works a bit of space before laying the ball back to Saul, and the Atletico midfielder smashes the ball low and out of the reach of Pickford!
It has been a very good opening 16 minutes of football here, and England are now attacking Spain down the right. It seems that both sides have come to attack tonight, which is excellent news.
De Gea has to be quick out of his goal to clear under pressure from Lingard. Rashford's pace is causing Spain's back four problems, but luckily for La Roja, Nacho is pretty quick as well.
YELLOW CARD! Henderson (England) is booked for fouling Alonso.
England have won their last 14 competitive matches at Wembley, but face a serious test tonight. Spain currently have the ball as they pass and probe in the final third of the field. Carvajal is again down the right before working a pass into Rodrigo, but Stones is on hand to make the clearance.
Lots of possession for Spain at the moment as they work the ball from left to right here. Carvajal and Alonso are almost playing as wingers as the away side push high up the field. Eventually Rodrigo strikes form outside the box, but his effort was always moving wide of Pickford's post.
Penalty shout for England as Kane goes down inside the Spain box, but the referee is not interested. Saul came across the centre-forward, and certainly played the ball there.
SAVE! De Gea has to keep out a Kane header from a Trippier free kick.
Stones looks to release Trippier down the right following a spell of possession, but the pass is too strong, and Spain resume from a goal kick. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining here.
Half-chance for England as Alli drives to the edge of the Spain box before sliding a pass into Kane, but the ball bounces off the forward. In fairness, Alli put far too much pace on the ball.
Aspas curls one towards the England goal, but Stones makes the block.
Kane loses the ball in a dangerous position and Spain break down the right, but Carvajal's low cross is cleared by Maguire. Kane has not been very sharp in the first 32 minutes of this football match.
GOAL! ENGLAND 1-2 SPAIN (RODRIGO)
Spain take the lead in the 32nd minute as Rodrigo's clever near-post finish from a free kick finds the bottom corner. Not sure about the England defending, but it was a super finish from Rodrigo.
SAVE! Wonderful goalkeeping from De Gea as the Spain stopper keeps out a header from Rashford. I suspect that would have happened on the Manchester United training ground a few times.
SAVE! Pickford does well to keep out a strike from Saul following a period of Spain pressure. The away side are moving the ball very well at the moment as they chase a third goal.
England break forward down the left and eventually Shaw delivers into the box, but the danger is cleared. Spain then work the ball clear before Alonso is brought to the deck by Rashford.
Kane comes very deep to collect the ball, but the England captain loses it once again. Maguire is on hand to bail out his teammate though as Spain looked to work their way through.
YELLOW CARD! Shaw (England) is booked for a rash challenge on Carvajal.
Plenty of possession for England at the moment, but they cannot work the ball into Rashford, who looks capable of causing Spain's back four all sorts of problems. Still 2-1 to the visitors here.
I should not imagine that there will be too much added time at the end of the first period.
HALF TIME: ENGLAND 1-2 SPAIN
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Spain leading 2-1. Rashford sent England ahead in the 11th minute with an excellent goal, but Saul levelled the scores two minutes later before Rodrigo netted a second for Spain in the 32nd minute. Very good first half here.
STATISTICS! Spain shaded the first-half possession with 57%, while the visitors had six attempts, three of which were on target. England, meanwhile, hit the target with four of their five attempts. Two yellow cards to report in the first half, and they both came for the hosts - Henderson and Shaw.
BENCH WATCH! Asensio, Ceballos, Suso, Morata and Roberto are among those that will hope to see some action for Spain in the second 45 minutes of this UEFA Nations League clash. England boss Southgate, meanwhile, has the likes of Delph, Loftus-Cheek, Walker and Welbeck in reserve.
KICKOFF: Spain resume the action at Wembley Stadium...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers will have alterations in mind as the second period develops here.
There is some concern for Shaw here, with the Manchester United defender hitting the ground following a late challenge. Rose is already getting prepared to possibly enter here.
It is a head injury for Shaw, and he is still down receiving some treatment here.
The stretcher is out for Shaw, and he will leave the field here.
They are still waiting to get Shaw on the stretcher, and there is real concern for the left-back.
ENGLAND SUB! Rose replaces Shaw, who leaves the field on a stretcher.
The atmosphere has dropped, which is to be expected following that long stoppage. Let's hope that Shaw is okay, and we will give any updates if and when they come through here.
CLOSE! Thiago's strike on the half-volley just misses the crossbar!
Spain are dominating at the moment as they continue to pass and probe in the final third of the field. We are into the 57th minute, but there will be a lot of added time at the end of the match.
Sharp passing from Spain as they move the ball from left to right, and England are just struggling to deal with it. Saul breaks down the left before delivering, but it goes behind for a goal kick.
SAVE! Smart save from Pickford to keep out a strike from Thiago as Spain boss the game.
England are seeing a bit more of the ball at the moment, but they are struggling to hurt Spain in dangerous positions. Kane has just fired wide of the post, but the centre-forward was offside.
ENGLAND SUB! Dier for Henderson is England's second change.
You do get the feeling that there are more goals in this match, with England more then capable of netting on the break. There is some movement on the Spain bench in the shape of Asensio.
YELLOW CARD! Stones (England) is booked for fouling Rodrigo just outside the England box...
... Isco's free kick is straight into the wall before Rose heads clear for England.
SPAIN SUB! Asensio replaces Aspas for Spain.
Bit of possession for England in the last few minutes, and it seems that Stones has moved into midfield with Dier dropping into central defence. Stones will be looking to get on the ball here.
False alarm, Dier is back in central midfield, with Stones in defence. They seemed to have a little change for a minute or two. Right, still 2-1 Spain with 72 minutes on the clock here.
Possession football for England, but not too much else at the moment.
Spain have settled with the ball once again, but not too much happening at the moment.
Southgate has another substitution if he wants it, and it will be interesting to see whether the England boss looks for one more change. Spain, meanwhile, have two permitted substitutions left.
SPAIN SUB! Roberto replaces Thiago for Spain.
SAVE! Super chance for Rashford to score a second for England, but the United forward strikes the ball straight at De Gea, who makes the save. Really should be 2-2 at Wembley now!
YELLOW CARD! Carvajal (Spain) is booked for a foul on Rose.
Little over five minutes of normal time remaining, but there will surely be at least seven minutes added due to that injury for Shaw, which stopped play early in the second period here.
De Gea makes another super save to deny Rashford, but the offside flag was raised.
CHANCE! Maguire heads a Trippier corner just wide of the Spain post!
SPAIN SUB! Inigo Martinez replaces Alonso for Spain.
Super work from Isco as the Real Madrid midfielder challenges Dier on the edge of the box before keeping the ball away from the Tottenham midfielder. Sensational from Isco once again.
We are into the first of NINE additional minutes of added time here.
Spain have just slowed things down in the last couple of minutes, which is not much of a surprise. England have been on top for the last 15 minutes or so. Still six minutes to play here though.
SHOT! Ramos volleys over the England crossbar.
SHOT! Rodrigo curls over the England goal following a mistake from Stones.
YELLOW CARD! Rose (England) is booked for a foul on Carvajal.
ENGLAND SUB! Welbeck for Rashford is England's final change.
Spain are keeping the ball at the moment as we head for the very final moments here.
What has happened?! Welbeck has just turned the ball home following a mistake from De Gea, but it seems that the goal might have been disallowed. No-one is quite sure what has happened.
De Gea dropped the ball after landing on Welbeck, who turned home. It looked like the goal had been given, but the referee has disallowed it, which is very controversial!
England deliver a corner into the Spain box, but De Gea claims Maguire's knockdown.
FULL TIME: ENGLAND 1-2 SPAIN
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Spain running out 2-1 winners over England at Wembley. What a night of football! Very good advert for the UEFA Nations League, that is for sure. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again.
Written by
Matt Law
Matt Law
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