Spain rally past England 3-2 after Kane misses penalty

Spain survived a Harry Kane penalty miss to beat England 3-2 at Wembley on Saturday (September 26), making a winning start to their UEFA Nations League campaign and extending their unbeaten run to 39 matches.

Spain struck in the second minute when Lamine Yamal capitalised on a mistake by England defender Marc Guehi. Anthony Gordon quickly levelled for the hosts before Kane headed England into a 2-1 lead in the 40th minute.

England had a chance to strengthen their advantage after Jude Bellingham was fouled in the box and a VAR review awarded a penalty. But Kane slipped while taking the spot-kick, sending his effort against the crossbar.

Spain seized the momentum after the miss, with substitute Alex Baena firing home from around 20 yards in the 63rd minute to make it 2-2.

Mikel Oyarzabal then completed Spain’s comeback in the 74th minute, converting Baena’s pass. Oyarzabal had also scored Spain’s winner against England in the Euro 2024 final.

England pushed for an equaliser late on, but Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon denied Bellingham as the visitors held on for victory.

The defeat marked a losing start for Thomas Tuchel’s England on their return to the top tier of the Nations League.