England Player Ratings vs Spain: Bellingham and Gordon Shine Despite Nations League Defeat

England began their new Nations League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 defeat to Spain at Wembley, in a match that exposed major defensive problems but also produced some encouraging individual performances. 

While Spain ultimately secured the victory, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon were among the England players who made a strong impression, while several members of the defence struggled to deal with Spain’s attacking quality. 

Bellingham continues to lead England’s midfield

Jude Bellingham once again showed why he remains such an important figure for Thomas Tuchel.

The Real Madrid midfielder played a key role in England’s response, providing the pass that allowed Gordon to score and winning the penalty that gave England another opportunity.

His influence went beyond the attacking moments, with Bellingham also contributing significant defensive work throughout the match. 

Gordon provides a major attacking spark

Anthony Gordon was another standout performer for England.

The Barcelona winger produced an excellent individual move for England’s first goal, combining quick control with a composed finish to break through Spain’s defence.

His ability to carry the ball was particularly noticeable. Gordon completed four dribbles, matching the combined total recorded by the rest of England’s players and Spain’s entire team. 

His performance gives Tuchel another option to consider in the attacking positions going forward.

O’Reilly impresses but makes costly mistake

Nico O’Reilly was one of England’s more positive performers, particularly when dealing with Spain’s aggressive pressing.

The Manchester City player was willing to show for possession and played an important role in creating England’s second goal, winning the ball before combining with Elliot Anderson and Gordon and eventually supplying the cross for Harry Kane. 

However, O’Reilly was also involved in the build-up to Spain’s equaliser after losing possession and then making an inaccurate pass.

Defence remains Tuchel’s biggest concern

England’s defensive display was the biggest concern of the night.

Jarell Quansah struggled at right-back, while Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi were also unable to provide the defensive stability required against Spain’s attack. 

James Trafford, making his competitive international debut, could not be blamed for Spain’s goals and did make an important one-on-one save against Ferran Torres. 

The result nevertheless leaves Tuchel with questions to answer before England’s next Nations League fixture.

Kane’s missed penalty proves costly

Harry Kane helped England regain momentum with his contribution to the second goal, but his missed penalty became one of the defining moments of the match.

With England leading 2-1, Kane had the opportunity to extend the advantage. Spain eventually turned the game around and won 3-2. 

The defeat therefore contained two very different stories for England: promising attacking performances from players such as Bellingham and Gordon, alongside defensive weaknesses that Spain was ultimately able to exploit.

Key England performers

• Jude Bellingham: influential in both goals and energetic throughout.
• Anthony Gordon: dangerous on the ball and scored England’s first goal.
• Nico O’Reilly: impressive going forward but made a costly error.
• Elliot Anderson: important in England’s build-up play.
• Harry Kane: contributed to the second goal but missed a crucial penalty.
• James Trafford: solid enough on his international debut despite conceding three goals.