Spain rally past England 3-2 to extend European unbeaten record

Spain came from behind to beat England 3-2 at Wembley on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run to 39 matches, according to the supplied report, which described it as a record for a European team. Spain began strongly after Lamine Yamal capitalised on a defensive error by Marc Guehi in the second minute. The visitors created several further chances, but England recovered and levelled through Anthony Gordon in the 36th minute.

England then moved ahead four minutes later when captain Harry Kane headed in Nico O’Reilly’s cross after a Marc Cucurella deflection. The turnaround followed a period in which England had threatened down the wings and attacked more positively. England had an opportunity to extend their lead 10 minutes into the second half when they were awarded a penalty after a video review for a foul by Rodri on Jude Bellingham.

Kane slipped slightly and struck the crossbar. Spain responded through substitutes Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal. Baena scored on the hour after O’Reilly gave the ball away to Dani Olmo, and later supplied Oyarzabal, who lifted the ball over goalkeeper James Trafford.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said his team had largely controlled the match against what he called a “superpower” and believed they could have recovered even if England had gone 3-1 ahead. He said the team still wanted to improve despite its extended unbeaten sequence. Kane said England had again failed to maintain their best level for a full 90 minutes.

Manager Thomas Tuchel, who had rejected the idea that the match represented a new beginning, would have been disappointed by England’s hesitant start. Spain are due to host Croatia in their next Nations League Group A3 match on Tuesday, while England travel to the Czech Republic.