Two of the strongest international teams clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. World champions Spain are looking for a winning start to their Nations League campaign against England.

England hit by withdrawals as attention turns to the next cycle

Two late goals in a semi-final defeat to Argentina ended England’s World Cup hopes. Thomas Tuchel was criticised for his defensive changes in the second half of that game, but he will oversee the Three Lions’ bid for glory on home soil at Euro 2028.

That cycle starts with the Nations League, but Tuchel has been left frustrated after five players pulled out of this squad. Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento will play no part in the upcoming matches. Those fitness issues should create opportunities for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alex Scott.

The attacking duo of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are both set to start. They scored 13 goals between them across England’s eight-game involvement in this summer’s tournament.

England predicted lineup vs Spain (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Konsa, Guéhi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Scott; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.

Continuity the key for Spain

Some fine team performances fired Spain to glory in North America, and it’s no surprise that Luis de la Fuente has only made minor changes to that squad. Pedro Porro is the most notable injury absentee, which could see Marc Pubill get a chance at right-back.

Following Rodri’s summer transfer to Barcelona, the experienced midfielder should team up with his new clubmates Pedri and Lamine Yamal. The latter is in great form, with seven goals and four assists in La Liga so far.

Back-up goalkeeper Joan García is also sidelined, while the suspended Gavi hasn’t been called up. As was the case throughout most of the World Cup, Mikel Oyarzabal and Álex Baena should complete the front three.

Spain predicted lineup vs England (4-3-3): Simón; Pubill, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Merino; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena.

England vs Spain Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Spain to win or draw
  • Odds: 1.43 (22Bet)
  • Correct score prediction: England 1-2 Spain
  • 22Bet Booking Code: M6M2J

Key stats:

  • England have only won one of the past five meetings between the sides.
  • Excluding penalty shootouts, Spain haven’t lost any of their past 39 games.
  • La Roja conceded just once in eight matches at the World Cup.

The visitors’ unbeaten run in competitive football stretches back to a 2-0 defeat to Scotland in March 2023. They’ve been almost flawless since then, winning two major tournaments.

La Roja also boast a strong Nations League record, having reached the previous three finals. The Iberians kept clean sheets in seven of their eight World Cup fixtures, with their ability to control possession and dictate the tempo key.

England have played at Wembley twice this year, but failed to beat Japan or Uruguay in March friendlies. Backing Spain to also avoid defeat in London is a safe pick.

England vs Spain Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Spain to score over 1.5 goals
  • Odds: 2.28 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: H652J

For bigger returns, Spain offer value to score over 1.5 goals at odds of 2.28. They averaged 3.5 goals per 90 minutes during 2026 World Cup qualifying.

England have gone five matches without keeping a clean sheet. They let in 1.5 goals per game on average in North America, only managing to shut out Ghana and Panama in the group stage.

Verdict: Spain to win or draw (1.43) — England 1-2 Spain