UEFA Nations League
England v Spain: Big Match Preview
Football Writer, Racing Tipster
About 1 min listen, read by a realistic UK voice.
Stephen WelchBig Match SpecialEngland v Spain
Kick Off
Saturday 26 September at 19:45
Ground
Wembley Stadium
TV Channel
ITV1
Competition
UEFA Nations League
England begin their UEFA Nations League campaign with a heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday evening as they host reigning world and European champions Spain. The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm with live coverage in the UK on ITV1.
The Three Lions return to competitive action following an impressive run to the semi finals of the World Cup, where they suffered a late 2-1 defeat against Argentina before beating France 6-4 in an extraordinary third place playoff. Thomas Tuchel's side will be without several key players on Saturday, with Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento all withdrawing from the squad through injury. Spain arrive at Wembley having won the World Cup without losing a game and Luis de la Fuente's side are now unbeaten in normal time since March 2024.
Spain at 5/4
Match Result
Spain head into Saturday's fixture as reigning world and European champions and their recent record is difficult to oppose. La Roja won seven consecutive matches on their way to lifting the World Cup and have not lost inside 90 minutes in more than two years. England will also be without several important players, most notably Declan Rice in midfield and face a Spain side packed with quality throughout the pitch. With Luis de la Fuente able to call upon the likes of Rodri, Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, we're backing the visitors to claim all three points at Wembley.
Over 2.5 at 8/11
Match Goals Under/Over
Recent meetings between these nations suggest we could be treated to an entertaining contest at Wembley. Each of their last three competitive encounters has produced at least three goals, including Spain's 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 final and England's memorable 3-2 win in Seville during the 2018 Nations League. England's last five matches at the World Cup also produced goals at both ends, culminating in their remarkable 6-4 victory over France. With attacking quality in abundance on both sides, over 2.5 match goals looks worth consideration.
Jude Bellingham at 12/5
Anytime Goalscorer
Jude Bellingham was one of England's standout performers at the World Cup and returns to international duty in excellent goalscoring form. The Real Madrid midfielder scored seven times during the tournament, including braces against Mexico and Norway and has already found the net three times in La Liga this season. With Bellingham expected to operate in an advanced role behind Harry Kane, he looks a solid selection to get on the scoresheet at Wembley.
Ferran Torres at 15/8
Anytime Goalscorer
Ferran Torres has made an outstanding start to the new season and could represent the value amongst Spain's attacking options. The Paris Saint Germain forward has scored seven times in his opening six club appearances and also netted the winning goal in Spain's World Cup final victory over Argentina. Whether starting through the middle or operating from a wider position, Torres arrives in excellent form and looks good value to add to his international tally against an England side without a clean sheet in their last five matches.
1-2 at 15/2
Correct Score
England possess enough attacking quality to cause Spain problems at Wembley but the visitors arrive in London with an outstanding recent record and the confidence of being both world and European champions. England have scored in each of their last six matches but are without several influential players and have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five. We're backing Spain to edge a competitive contest, making a 2-1 away victory the logical pick in the correct score market.
England v Spain Tips
Spain
Match Result
Over 2.5
Match Goals Under/Over
Jude Bellingham
Anytime Goalscorer
Ferran Torres
Anytime Goalscorer
1-2
Correct Score
Verdict
Spain look the stronger side and should have enough on the road. The scoreline call is England 1-2 Spain, so there should be goals at both ends. Stephen Welch make Spain at 5/4 the standout call on the card.