World Champions Spain Head to Wembley as England's Injury-Hit Squad Opens Nations League Campaign
Thomas Tuchel will be without Palmer, Rice and three others for Saturday's League A3 opener against the side that won the World Cup in July.
The biggest game of Matchday 1 in the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League is at Wembley on Saturday, 26 September. England host Spain, who became world champions two months ago.
The match kicks off at 7.45pm UK time, which is 2.45am on Sunday in Malaysia.
A rematch shaped by the World Cup
Both teams went deep at the summer's World Cup. Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final on 19 July to win their second world title. England lost in the semi-finals, then beat France 6-4 in a remarkable third-place play-off.
They also have recent history. Spain beat England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final. England's best result in the Nations League against them was a 3-2 win in Seville in 2018.
Saturday is the start of League A, Group 3. Czechia and Croatia are the other two teams in the group and also meet on Saturday.
Tuchel's selection problems
England have lost five players since the squad was named. The FA confirmed that Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo (both Manchester United) and Tino Livramento (Newcastle) have pulled out with injuries.
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle said Livramento "suffered with some discomfort after Friday's training" and would have an MRI scan.
Tuchel has called up two replacements: Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White and Everton's James Garner. Garner made his England debut in March.
With Rice out, midfield is the biggest question. Yahoo Sports suggests Elliot Anderson could start alongside Alex Scott or Myles Lewis-Skelly. Newcastle's Lewis Hall is described as the only other significant fitness concern.
Predicted England XI (Yahoo Sports): Pickford; Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly; Anderson, Scott; Saka, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane.
Kane closes in on Shilton
Captain Harry Kane is chasing another record. If he plays in all four of England's matches in this window, he will equal Peter Shilton's record for the most appearances for the England men's team.
Spain's squad
Luis de la Fuente has named a 26-man squad, with Fermin Lopez and Dean Huijsen both back. Spain can still call on Rodri and Pedri in midfield and Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams out wide. Goal.com notes that Spain won their last five matches and conceded only once. They also want to make up for losing the 2025 Nations League final to Portugal.
The rest of Matchday 1
The round began on Thursday, 24 September. Netherlands vs Germany in League A2 is the headline game on the opening night. On Friday, Italy host Belgium and Zinedine Zidane takes charge of France for the first time, away to Türkiye.
England's fixtures this window:
- Sat 26 Sept: England vs Spain
- Tue 29 Sept: Czechia vs England
- Sat 3 Oct: Croatia vs England
- Tue 6 Oct: England vs Czechia
Key takeaways
- England vs Spain kicks off at 2.45am Sunday, Malaysia time.
- Palmer, Rice, Rashford, Mainoo and Livramento are out. Gibbs-White and Garner have been called up.
- Spain arrive as world champions after beating Argentina in the 2026 final.
- Harry Kane can equal Peter Shilton's England appearance record during this window.
FAQ
What time is England vs Spain in Malaysia? 2.45am on Sunday, 27 September.
Who else is in England's group? Spain, Czechia and Croatia, in League A Group 3.
Who are the defending Nations League champions? Portugal, who beat Spain in the 2025 final.
Sources: UEFA.com, Yahoo Sports, beIN Sports, Goal.com, ABC News, ESPN