Spain Takes On England in Nations League Showdown: Key Predictions, Lineups, and What to Expect

Spain and England clash in Madrid this Sunday night with first place in UEFA Nations League Group A3 on the line.

While the world champions currently hold the edge after defeating the Three Lions 3–2 at Wembley in the opening round of the group stage, England's better goal difference—largely due to their 7–0 thrashing of Croatia—means a win for the Three Lions in the Spanish capital would see them overtake their hosts and advance to next March's quarterfinals as group winners.

Both sides picked up wins on Matchday 5, with England edging out a resilient Croatia 2–1 and Spain comfortably dispatching 10-man Czechia 2–0 on the road.

So it all comes down to this. Thomas Tuchel has described the upcoming match as a "final," with Spain currently the benchmark in international football, and not just because they lifted the World Cup trophy over the summer. Luis de la Fuente's side has suffered only one defeat in 43 matches (on penalties to Portugal)—a run stretching back to March 2024.

It's a formidable team, and precisely the standard Tuchel's England aspires to reach. The first meeting was a thrilling affair, and the two sides are expected to deliver an equally exciting spectacle at the Metropolitano this weekend.

Spain vs. England Score Prediction

Back-and-Forth Duel Ends All-Square

England is chasing their most significant non-major tournament win since toppling Spain 3–2 back in October 2018. That result demonstrated that their World Cup run that summer was no accident, and that Sir Gareth Southgate was constructing something truly special at St. George's Park following years of turbulence.

The Three Lions wreaked havoc on the counter that day, though the match is perhaps best remembered for Eric Dier's crunching tackle on Sergio Ramos that certainly 'set the tone,' to put it mildly.

Tuchel is fully aware of the test awaiting his squad on Sunday, and England, since the World Cup and their competitive Matchday 1 loss, has been playing with the kind of confidence that suggests a team firmly believing in its upward momentum.

An enthralling contest is on the horizon, with the visitors set to embrace their newfound positional freedom against the collective strength of the world's finest side.

Prediction: Spain 2–2 England

Spain Predicted Lineup vs. England

Spain overcame Czechia without two key attacking contributors, as both Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal were unavailable. However, the forward duo are anticipated to return to the fold as La Roja welcome the Three Lions on Sunday.

Oyarzabal is among several Spanish players who have been battling illness during this international break, with Nico Williams and Aymeric Laporte also affected. The latter two remain doubts for England's visit, meaning Álex Baena should keep his place on the left and Dean Huijsen will continue alongside Pau Cubarsí.

Atlético Madrid's Marc Pubill netted as a substitute on Thursday and is pushing to replace Pedro Porro at right back.

World Cup Player of the Tournament Rodri remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, but De la Fuente is far from short of quality replacements. He went with a Martín Zubimendi-Fabián Ruiz pairing last time out, with Pedri and Mikel Merino coming on from the bench. Pablo Barrios and Marc Roca are also part of Spain's November squad.

Spain predicted lineup vs. England (4-2-3-1): Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Huijsen, Cucurella; Pedri, Fabián; Yamal, López, Baena; Oyarzabal.

England Predicted Lineup vs. Spain

Tuchel appears to be prioritizing consistency with an eye on Euro 2028, with the German manager selecting the same front six against Croatia that started the World Cup semifinal against Argentina.

Morgan Rogers is currently filling in for Bukayo Saka on the right wing, and Declan Rice has returned to the squad after missing the extended September-October international window. Fellow midfield option Alex Scott remains out through injury.

Tuchel has Myles Lewis-Skelly available following his one-match ban, and there is optimism that his Arsenal teammate Ezri Konsa will be fit to face the world champions. England would struggle against this level of opposition with a Jarell Quansah-Dan Burn center-back pairing.

Djed Spence is also pushing for availability, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, left out of the World Cup squad, earned the starting nod on Thursday.

England predicted lineup vs. Spain (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Burn, Hall; Anderson, Rice; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

What Time Does Spain vs. England Kick Off?

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