England’s Spain test to show whether Tuchel has learned World Cup lessons

England face world champions Spain in Madrid on Sunday in a Nations League match that will test whether Thomas Tuchel’s side have moved on from their World Cup semi-final defeat by Argentina.

The test is also a measure of England’s recent progress: they have won four successive matches since losing 3-2 to Spain at Wembley in September. But Spain’s record makes the away fixture a severe challenge. They have gone 43 matches unbeaten and have not lost at home for 20 games.

England were criticised for a cautious approach in the 2-1 World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina, particularly after Anthony Gordon put them ahead. BBC Sport reports that the Football Association later canvassed the squad’s views and that a frank discussion with Tuchel focused on the team’s approach in that match. There is now believed to be a feeling within the squad that he has taken those lessons on board.

Former England defender Matthew Upson said the team looked more positive but remained vulnerable defensively. He said Sunday’s match would test how England respond both when ahead and when behind. At Wembley, England lost to Spain after Harry Kane missed a penalty that could have put them 3-1 ahead; Upson also noted that Spain had chances to go 3-0 up before England scored.

Captain Kane called the match “the perfect opportunity to try and prove ourselves”. Tuchel described Spain as “the biggest test in world football” and said England were ready to push their limits. Midfielder Declan Rice said the game would show where England stood as a group.

Tuchel has said James Trafford will get another opportunity in goal as he continues to alternate the goalkeeper with Jordan Pickford. England’s most recent win in Spain was a 3-2 Nations League victory in Seville in October 2018.

The match follows England’s 2-1 win over Croatia at Wembley on Thursday. Spain, who beat England in the Euro 2024 final, have won 34 and drawn nine of their 43 matches since their last defeat, against Colombia in March 2024.