England lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley on Saturday in their opening UEFA Nations League fixture, with the world champions recovering from a deficit to take the win, according to BBC. Harry Kane missed a penalty for the hosts during the match, the same report states.
Mikel Oyarzabal scored for Spain and beat England again, UEFA.com reported in its Matchday 1 round-up, which also noted Croatia edging Czechia in another fixture. BBC's player ratings piece singled out one England player for what it described as an uncharacteristic error, without naming the individual in the summary available.
The result has shaped early reaction around England head coach Thomas Tuchel. Sky Sports reported that Tuchel's critics were forced to stay quiet despite the defeat, framing the performance as one that did not invite the scrutiny some had expected. Yahoo Sports, meanwhile, argued that England have embraced chaos but that control is also required if the team is to win major prizes — a reference to the balance between the side's open, unpredictable play and the discipline needed in tournament football.
England's defeat came against the reigning world champions, adding weight to the manner of the loss rather than only the scoreline. The Nations League campaign continues for both sides, with England now under pressure to respond in their next group match.
What to watch next: how Tuchel's side set up in their second Nations League outing, and whether England can convert their attacking moments into a result.
