England vs Spain Preview, prediction, team news, lineups | UEFA Nations League 2026-27

La Roja emerged victorious when these sides last met!

The England national football team are ready to face off against the Spain national football team for their opening game of the UEFA Nations League 2026-27 season. Wembley Stadium is all set to witness this high-voltage clash.

After failing to secure the World Cup gold, the Thomas Tuchel-led side will be gearing up to assert their dominance in Europe. They finished third after taking down France in the third-place match at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The England national football team have firepower and a strong midfield.

They will need to answer questions in defence. The Three Lions only bagged two clean sheets, and that too during their group stage outings against Ghana and Panama. They are now going to face a tough contest against La Roja, and it will be interesting to see their performance at home.

The Spaniards are coming after becoming the World Champions. They conceded only one goal during their World Cup 2026 campaign, with seven clean sheets to their name. Luis de la Fuente’s men are likely to keep a similar approach against the Englishmen.

The Spain national football team continue to be the strongest in the midfield and defence. They might have to do some hard work in the attacking front. But with a star-studded lineup, it should not be a tough task for them.

Kick-off:

• Location: London, England
• Stadium: Wembley Stadium
• Date: Sunday, September 27
• Kick-off Time: 12:15 AM IST (Saturday, Sept 26; 06:45 pm GMT/ 02:45 am ET/ 11:45 am PT)
• Referee: TBA
• VAR: In use

Form:

England: W-W-W-L-W

Spain: W-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Jude Bellingham (England)

Jude Bellingham delivered some exceptional performances for the England national football team during the recent World Cup campaign. He helped his side control the midfield. The player has shown he is very capable of scoring goals.

Bellingham, with his presence, is going to keep the opponent’s defence on edge.

Rodri (Spain)

Rodri of FC Barcelona was awarded the Golden Ball at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after his phenomenal performances for the Spain national football team. He is once again going to be one of the main men in the midfield for La Roja. With the ball at his feet, the English defence must stay alert for the oncoming passes.

Match Facts

• England failed to secure a clean sheet in their last five matches.
• Spain have managed four clean sheets in their last five attempts.
• La Roja have emerged victorious three times in their last five outings against the Three Lions.

Betting Tips & Odds

• Spain to win @6/4 AKBets
• Mikel Oyarzabal to score @21/10 bet365
• Goals under 3.5 @2/5 Unibet

Injury and Team News

Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have withdrawn from the England squad due to fitness concerns. James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White have received call-ups.

For Spain, only Pedro Porro has withdrawn from the squad.

Head-to-Head

Matches played: 28

England (wins): 14

Spain (wins): 11

Draws: 3

Predicted Lineups

England predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Pickford (GK); Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Anderson, Scott; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Spain predicted XI (4-2-3-1)

Simon (GK); Garcia, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Oyarzabal

Match Prediction

England at home are going to have a slight edge, but should also make sure to avoid any mistakes. Spain will be fully confident after their top-of-the-line World Cup campaign.

Luis de la Fuente’s men are likely to come out on top and secure a win in their opening Nations League game.

Prediction: England 1-2 Spain

Telecast Details

India: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV

UK: Prime Video UK, S4C

Spain: RTVE PLAY

USA: FOX Sports, FuboTV, ViX

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