England and Spain will renew their rivalry at Wembley on Saturday, September 26, when the two nations begin their 2026–27 UEFA Nations League campaigns in a heavyweight Group A3 encounter.

The fixture brings together two of Europe’s leading national teams and marks another meeting between the sides after Spain defeated England 2–1 in the Euro 2024 final. Spain will aim to begin their Nations League title defence with a positive result, while England will look to use home advantage to make a strong start under their new campaign.

Spain are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Unai Simón in goal behind Marc Pubill, Pau Cubarsí, Aymeric Laporte and Marc Cucurella. Rodri, Pedri and Martín Zubimendi could form the midfield, while Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena are expected to support Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.

England are projected to use a 4-2-3-1 system. Jordan Pickford could start in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and Nico O’Reilly in defence. Elliot Anderson and Alex Scott are expected to operate in midfield, while Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon could play behind captain Harry Kane.

Spain’s recent success has been built on possession, technical control and defensive organisation, but England’s pace and attacking quality will provide a demanding test at Wembley. The match will also offer an early indication of how both sides intend to approach a Nations League campaign featuring some of Europe’s strongest teams.

The fixture is scheduled to kick off at Wembley on September 26 and will be the first of four Nations League matches during the opening international window. Further league-phase fixtures are scheduled from September 29 to October 6.