Spain Complete Stunning Comeback to Beat England 3-2 at Wembley

Spain began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over England at Wembley, recovering from a half-time deficit to claim all three points in a five-goal thriller. 

The result extended Spain’s unbeaten run in official matches to 39 games, underlining their remarkable consistency since their last defeat in March 2024. 

Yamal gives Spain an early advantage

England’s night got off to a difficult start when a mistake from Marc Guéhi allowed Lamine Yamal to take advantage just two minutes into the match.

The Barcelona forward remained composed before curling the ball beyond James Trafford to put the newly crowned world champions ahead at Wembley. 

Spain continued to threaten, with Ferran Torres having a goal ruled out for offside and Trafford making important saves to keep England within touching distance.

England turn the game around

Despite Spain’s early dominance, England responded strongly.

Anthony Gordon brought Thomas Tuchel’s side level in the 36th minute after a rapid counter-attack involving Jude Bellingham. Just four minutes later, Harry Kane completed the turnaround.

Nico O’Reilly delivered the ball into the area, and Kane’s header found the net after taking a touch off Marc Cucurella. England went into the break leading 2-1. 

Kane misses chance to make it 3-1

England had a huge opportunity to extend their advantage early in the second half.

After a VAR review, the referee awarded England a penalty following a challenge involving Rodri and Bellingham. Kane stepped up, but his effort struck the crossbar, denying England the chance to move two goals clear. 

That moment proved important as Spain quickly regained momentum.

Baena and Oyarzabal complete the comeback

Álex Baena came off the bench and made an immediate impact.

The Spain midfielder equalised in the 60th minute with a composed finish, bringing the score to 2-2 and putting England under renewed pressure. 

Spain then completed the comeback in the 74th minute.

Baena again played a decisive role, sending Mikel Oyarzabal through on goal. The Spain forward calmly lifted the ball over Trafford to make it 3-2. 

Oyarzabal was also the scorer of Spain’s winning goal against England in the Euro 2024 final, making his latest goal against the Three Lions another memorable moment. 

Spain show their champions’ mentality

England pushed for an equaliser during the final stages, with Bellingham forcing a late save from Unai Simón, but Spain managed the closing minutes effectively and held on for victory. 

The defeat leaves England without a point after the opening match of their Nations League campaign, while Spain start Group A3 with three points. 

For Spain, the victory was another demonstration of their ability to respond under pressure. After conceding twice and falling behind, Luis de la Fuente’s team found a way back at Wembley and maintained their extraordinary unbeaten streak.

England 2-3 Spain — Goals

• 2’ — Lamine Yamal 🇪🇸
• 36’ — Anthony Gordon 🏴
• 40’ — Harry Kane 🏴
• 60’ — Álex Baena 🇪🇸
• 74’ — Mikel Oyarzabal 🇪🇸