Spain faces England at Wembley in UEFA Nations League match

De la Fuente named three players from Athletic Club in his squad for the opening four fixtures of the Nations League group stage, announced at the Ciudad del Fútbol in Las Rozas. Goalkeeper Unai Simón, central defender Aymeric Laporte, and winger Nico Williams earned immediate call-ups following a demanding summer that culminated in World Cup glory. The trio joins the national setup without physical setbacks, retaining the absolute trust of the coaching staff after their exploits in North America.

Simón enters the international window following a historic tournament run. Records show the Basque goalkeeper played every minute of the World Cup, conceding just one goal and setting a tournament record of 650 scoreless minutes that surpassed Walter Zenga’s 1990 benchmark of 517 minutes. Simón is also nominated for the Yashin Trophy, which honors the world's best goalkeeper, with the winner to be announced in London on October 26.

Defensive Solidity and Wembley Challenge

In central defense, Laporte paired effectively with Barcelona youngster Pau Cubarsí, who earned recognition as the tournament’s best young player during the summer campaign. At Wembley, that defensive partnership faced an immediate test against Tuchel’s England side. Simón proved decisive early, safely handling a dangerous cross from Gordon and dealing with persistent aerial threats before the home side mounted a second-half surge.

England capitalized on tactical errors to turn the match competitive. A turnover by Nico Williams in the attacking third triggered a swift counterattack that breached Spain’s backline, followed shortly after by a headed finish from Harry Kane that deflected off Cucurella. Despite conceding twice—more goals than Spain allowed throughout the entire World Cup—the visitors preserved their structure. Simón stood tall in the 53rd minute, guessing correctly as Kane struck the crossbar from a penalty kick awarded following a foul by Rodri on Bellingham.

Tactical Adjustments and Squad Depth

De la Fuente utilized his bench to shift momentum in London. In the 55th minute, the manager introduced Atlético midfielder Baena in place of Nico Williams, alongside Mikel Oyarzabal for Ferran Torres. The changes paid immediate dividends as Baena equalized shortly after stepping onto the pitch, before Oyarzabal secured the decisive goal to seal a victory at the historic London venue.

The triumph marks Spain’s third victory at Wembley and establishes them among the select group of reigning world champions to win their immediate post-tournament competitive fixture. Athletic Club’s contingent will return to domestic duties following the international window, which includes matches against Croatia and the Czech Republic.

Upcoming Fixtures in the UEFA Nations League

Spain continues its group stage schedule over the next three weeks under the stewardship of De la Fuente:

• September 26, 2026: vs. England at Wembley Stadium (London)
• September 29, 2026: vs. Croatia in Seville
• October 3, 2026: vs. Czech Republic at Estadio Carlos Tartiere (Oviedo)
• October 6, 2026: vs. Croatia in Split

Club football resumes for Athletic Club on October 10 following the extended international break, with domestic fixtures returning after a demanding September block.