Nov 14, 3:00 PM
Spain Host England in Nations League Group A3 Finale
Both teams have reached the quarterfinals as Spain looks to protect a 43-match unbeaten streak in Madrid.
The Spanish national football team will host England at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on Sunday evening in the final round of UEFA Nations League Group A3. Both nations have already qualified for the quarterfinals of the competition, though top spot in the group remains at stake. Spain leads the standings with 15 points following five consecutive victories, while England occupies second place with 12 points.
A win or draw for Spain would secure first place in the group and extend the team's current 43-match unbeaten record. The reverse fixture took place at Wembley Stadium on September 26, where Spain recovered from a 2–1 half-time deficit to win 3–2. In that match, goals from Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal completed the comeback after Harry Kane had missed a second-half penalty for the hosts.
England manager Thomas Tuchel stated ahead of the match that his squad was prepared to test Spain's unbeaten run. He noted that achieving a result in Madrid would require a top-level performance and expressed confidence that his players could match Spain's physical intensity. Spanish head coach Luis de la Fuente said the prospect of extending the undefeated streak provided additional motivation for his squad, stating that the team aimed to reach 44 matches without defeat.
In terms of squad availability, Spain expects forward Lamine Yamal to return after missing the previous fixture due to a knee injury, while Nico Williams and Aymeric Laporte remain doubtful. England will welcome back defender Ezri Konsa from injury and Myles Lewis-Skelly from suspension, though Marc Guehi remains unavailable with a muscle injury and Djed Spence is listed as doubtful.
Data provider Opta gives Spain a 59.6 percent probability of victory on Sunday, compared to a 19.3 percent chance for England and a 21.1 percent likelihood of a draw. Across 29 historic meetings between the two nations, England has won 13 times, Spain 12 times, and four matches ended in a draw. Kickoff in Madrid is scheduled for 19:45 GMT.
Written by Freya Stensrud freya.stensrud@alpineweekly.com
