Spain beat England 3-2 as McNulty questions their control

Spain beat England 3–2 in the Nations League, with Mikel Oyarzabal scoring the winner after England had led 2–1. In player ratings published on 26 September, BBC Sport’s England reporter Alex Howell singled out Marc Guehi’s loss of possession before Lamine Yamal’s opening goal as an “uncharacteristic error” and gave him a rating of 5. [1]

Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored to put England ahead, but Kane then missed a penalty. Alex Baena equalised before Oyarzabal struck. Howell also noted that Nico O’Reilly lost possession for Spain’s second goal, rating him 6. [1]

Howell’s highest ratings went to Jude Bellingham and Gordon, who each received an 8. Kane was given a 7 after scoring England’s second goal and missing a penalty. [1]

Update

Lamine Yamal put Spain ahead inside two minutes after Marc Guehi lost possession. Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane then scored to give England a half-time lead, but Kane missed a penalty shortly after the break. Alex Baena equalised following another England turnover, and Mikel Oyarzabal scored the winner in the 74th minute. [2]

Writing from Wembley on 26 September, BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty argued that England looked more threatening when they used power and pace rather than trying to match Spain’s passing. He acknowledged their improvement after Gordon’s goal, but said Spain had missed chances to build a much larger early lead. In his view, England’s energy will not win major prizes without greater control. [2]

England head coach Thomas Tuchel challenged the description of his team’s play as chaotic. He told BBC Radio 5 Live that England had pressed bravely and won the ball high up the pitch, and said their defensive and attacking structure had largely been good. He also acknowledged that Spain were better in their technical execution in the final 20 metres. [2]