Tuchel Fumes Over England's Defensive Flaws as Spain Secure Dramatic 3-2 Nations League Win

Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winning goal as the world champions capitalized on two critical England errors to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory at Wembley during the opening round of the Uefa Nations League.

Less than ten weeks after lifting the World Cup, Spain extended their unbeaten streak to 39 matches. They twice fought back from a deficit before Oyarzabal settled the match in the 74th minute with a delicate chip over goalkeeper James Trafford, echoing his winning goal against England in the 2024 European Championship final.

Spain opened the scoring after just two minutes when Lamine Yamal punished Marc Guehi's mistake in the England half. However, Thomas Tuchel's side rallied before halftime. Anthony Gordon equalized in the 36th minute following a swift counter-attack initiated by Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane put England ahead four minutes later with a header.

England missed a golden opportunity to extend their lead early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty after Rodri fouled Bellingham. Harry Kane slipped as he took the shot, sending it crashing against the crossbar.

Spain quickly capitalized. Alex Baena equalized in the 60th minute following a wayward pass from Nico O'Reilly, before Oyarzabal netted the decisive goal 14 minutes later.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente remarked, "There are many matches within a match and we've known how to play them all at every moment." Meanwhile, a frustrated Thomas Tuchel lamented his team's start, stating, "Terrible start, the worst start possible... The third goal was the only one they really scored – the others were from individual, big mistakes."

In other matches across Group A3, Luka Modric inspired Croatia to a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Prague, with Marco Pasalic scoring the winner. Elsewhere, Scotland drew 0-0 with Slovenia, Switzerland defeated North Macedonia 3-0, and Finland thrashed San Marino 7-0 courtesy of a Joel Pohjanpalo hat-trick.