{"id":1496701,"date":"2026-09-24T11:17:02","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T10:17:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&p=1496701"},"modified":"2026-09-24T11:17:43","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T10:17:43","slug":"england-vs-spain-team-news-predicted-lineups","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/england-vs-spain-team-news-predicted-lineups\/","title":{"rendered":"England vs Spain team news and predicted lineups"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

England get their Uefa Nations League<\/a> campaign underway against Spain on Saturday at 7:45pm.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s a fresh chance for Thomas Tuchel after the disappointing end to England’s World Cup campaign. Although the Three Lions sealed a bronze medal — their second-best ever finish — England fans were left disappointed in the manager of their semi-final defeat to Argentina. Some had questioned Tuchel’s suitability for the role, but the FA have kept faith in the German.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is also England’s first game of four in the new extended international break, all filled with Nations League fixtures. They host world champions Spain at Wembley as part of a tough group. Spain were excellent at the World Cup en route to lifting their second crown, only conceding one goal. La Roja have also reached the Nations League final in each of the past three editions, including their 2023 victory over Croatia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These two sides haven’t met since the Euro 2024 final, with Spain winning 2-1. But England still just about edge the historic head-to-head, with 14 wins to Spain’s 11. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

England vs Spain team news<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

England team news<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Tuchel’s first post-World Cup squad has already come under fire. Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento have all pulled out due to injury or load management. Palmer’s withdrawal has received the most interest, after his fast start to the new season having missed out on the World Cup. James Garner and Morgan Gibbs-White have been added to the squad, but it leaves Tuchel with 24 men rather than his initial 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest news of the initial squad was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return, with the Real Madrid<\/a> man back in the England squad after over a year. He should start at right-back with no competition for that spot in the squad. Ezri Konsa has been used at right-back for England in the past, but he looks likely to partner Marc Guehi at centre-back. Nico O’Reilly is expected to start on the left, with Jordan Pickford in goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given the nature of the opposition, Tuchel is unlikely to take any risks or hand out any surprise starts. However, with Rice missing from the midfield, Elliot Anderson may be tested as the lone No.6. Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers are likely to flank him. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon are the front-runners for the wings, with Harry Kane leading the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Spain team news<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Luis de la Fuente could name most starters from the World Cup final. And he may do just that. The only guaranteed absentee is Pedro Porro, who had to pull out of the latest squad due to injury suffered in Tottenham Hotspur<\/a>‘s defeat to Aston Villa<\/a>. But Spain also don’t have Marcos Llorente to fill that gap. The Atletico Madrid<\/a> man retired from international football earlier this month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eric Garcia is most likely to start at right-back, given his experience, though Marc Pubill and Ivan Fresneda are other options. Aymeric Laporte and Pau Cubarsi should remain as the centre-back pairing with Marc Cucurella on the left. Another change could come in midfield. While Fabian Ruiz was favoured as Rodri’s partner at the World Cup, Pedri may get that role. The 23-year-old has started the new season in good form and now partners Rodri at Barcelona<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lamine Yamal is a guaranteed started on the right wing, already one of the best players in the world. Nico Williams may get the nod over Alex Baena on the left, though. Williams was expected to be Spain’s first-choice at the World Cup but injuries hampered his tournament, and Baena played well in his stead eventually being undroppable. But Williams hasn’t had any issues so may finally get his start. Mikel Oyarzabal’s goalscoring record for Spain should see him pip Ferran Torres to lead the line, even if the latter did score the World Cup-winning goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

England vs Spain predicted lineups<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

England (4-3-3): <\/strong>Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rogers, Anderson, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Gordon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spain (4-2-3-1): <\/strong>Simon; Garcia, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri; Yamal, Olmo, Williams; Oyarzabal.<\/p>\n\n\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n