England close their Uefa Nations League campaign with a trip to face Spain on Sunday at 7:45pm (UK time).
This is a straight shootout for top spot in Group A3, and the potentially easier route in the quarter-finals. Both sides have already sealed their spots in the last eight.
Spain sit top of the group with five wins from five, after a 2-0 win over Czech Republic last time out. La Roja only need to avoid defeat in Madrid to seal top spot, sitting three points clear of England. But things are straightforward for England too. Due to their goal difference and one-goal defeat to Spain at the start of the tournament, England know any win will be enough to overtake the world champions.
Victory in September means Spain have won four of their past six games against England. However, Spain did lose their last home match in this fixture.
Spain vs England team news
England team news
Thomas Tuchel is expected to have Ezri Konsa available for selection this weekend. The Arsenal defender was ruled out of the game against Croatia through injury but did not withdraw from the squad completely. If he does make it back in time, the centre-back could start as one of Tuchel’s more regular features, alongside Dan Burn. There could also be a return to the backline for Djed Spence, though Lewis Hall has performed well for England.
The rest of the England team may remain the same as the side that started against Croatia. Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are Tuchel’s go-to double pivot, while Jude Bellingham is first-choice in the No.10. Morgan Rogers scored the opening goal for England and will likely retain his spot on the right, with Anthony Gordon on the left. Harry Kane will lead the line.
There is a question about England’s goalkeeper. Jordan Pickford is the No.1 but James Trafford has been tested by Tuchel and will hope for an opportunity this weekend. Trafford started the defeat to Spain in September and did well despite conceding three goals. With top spot on the line, though, Pickford may still get the nod.
Spain team news
There could be a few changes in Spain’s starting lineup. Lamine Yamal and Aymeric Laporte both missed the win over Czech Republic through illness, but are expected to return to face England. Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams are also expected to be available after minor injuries ruled them out on Thursday.
Dean Huijsen is the centre-back likely to drop out for Laporte, who will form his usual partnership alongside Pau Cubarsi. Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro will be the full-backs, with Unai Simon in goal. Pedri is expected to return to the starting XI after he came off the bench against Czech Republic, with Martin Zubimendi dropping out.
Fabian Ruiz will likely keep his place in the midfield, as will Fermin Lopez, who offers the opportunity to play either in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3. But the rest of the attack could look different. Yamal will come in for Yeremy Pino and Williams could replace Alex Baena. Should he be fit, Oyarzabal continues to be the favourite over Ferran Torres as Luis de la Fuente‘s striker.
Spain vs England predicted lineups
Spain (4-3-3): Simon; Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Ruiz, Lopez; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Williams.
England (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Burn, Spence; Anderson, Rice; Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.