England’s first-half blitz against Spain shows a new identity under Thomas Tuchel
Spain exposed England’s flaws but also offered Thomas Tuchel something valuable: proof that his team can impose a different kind of football on the world champions.
Lawrence Ostlere at Wembley26 September 2026 23:12
Michael Jones26 September 2026 23:00
England take positives – and a lesson
The World Cup final England could have had but, on this evidence, there would still have been the same champions.
At the very least, Thomas Tuchel has been reminded of the real level that is going to be required to potentially win at this very stadium on 9 July 2028. Might this 3-2 Spain victory even provide a preview?
A significant positive, if also a different kind of problem, is that England did considerably up it from a lot of the World Cup. It was instructive that there were no boos at the end. This had been an entertaining evening of Nations League football at Wembley.
Miguel Delaney at Wembley26 September 2026 22:30
“Terrible start, worst start possible to make it so so difficult. Reaction was very, very good. After 10 minutes we were the better team but made some big mistakes but overall we were better and scored two goals. It was our best 15 minutes after the whistle, couldn’t unfortunately convert the penalty… then a big, big mistake for the 2-2. It’s just what it is. We keep going, learn from it and take what’s positive.”
Alan Smith26 September 2026 22:10
As it stands – at this early stage
Croatia have beaten Czechia in the other game, winning 2-1 away with Luka Modric scoring the opener.
Alan Smith26 September 2026 22:00
Anthony Gordon’s snap reaction
Speaking to ITV, he says: “It’s a bit of a missed chance. A great game to watch and play in. You always feel like it’s you giving it away rather than them winning it.”
On Kane’s missed penalty: “I think it puts us in a great position. We were hungry for more, to go for the throat and the kill.”
Did his goal show the identity he has spoken about? “Kind of if you want to phrase it that way. It kind of summed up what I said but ultimately it didn’t lead to victory.”
Is there a gap between the teams? “If the penalty went in I think we’d have won. What you’ve seen tonight is we’re a top team.”
Alan Smith26 September 2026 21:49
And the corner amounts to little.
England are defeated by the world champions at Wembley.
Spain are now 39 games unbeaten.
Stand by for all the reaction.
Alan Smith26 September 2026 21:42
95’ – Bellingham has a pop from an improbable angle. Simon parries it over. England have a corner and there are 10 seconds to go. This will be the final act.
Alan Smith26 September 2026 21:41
94’- Baena has a needless nibble at the heels of Rogers, committing a silly foul that Anderson will swing in from the right. The big men are all coming up.
But Anderson’s delivery goes straight into the hands of Simon.
Alan Smith26 September 2026 21:39
91’ – Spain have retreated and are holding a nice shape. England will need to get inventive if they are to level.
Alan Smith26 September 2026 21:37