Spain Turn the Tide at Wembley as Kane’s Penalty Miss Proves Costly

By Angel No Lie | KPD Online | 27 September 2026 | Sports 

Spain came from behind to defeat England 3-2 at Wembley in a five-goal UEFA Nations League thriller, with Harry Kane’s second-half penalty miss becoming one of the defining moments of the match.

The result gave the reigning world champions three points in Group A3 and extended Spain’s unbeaten run in competitive matches to 39 games inside 90 minutes, according to reports following the match.

UEFA Nations League • Group A3

England

2

Full-time

Spain

3

Spain strike first

Spain needed only two minutes to take the lead.

Lamine Yamal capitalised on a mistake near the England penalty area before finishing past goalkeeper James Trafford. England recovered from the early setback, however, and gradually imposed themselves on the contest.

Anthony Gordon equalised in the 36th minute after an England counterattack, before Kane put the hosts ahead four minutes later. England went into the interval leading 2-1.

Lamine Yamal Fires Spain Into an Early Lead

Kane’s penalty hits the bar

England had an opportunity to extend their advantage early in the second half when they were awarded a penalty following a VAR review involving Jude Bellingham.

Kane stepped up but slipped as he planted his standing foot. His effort struck the crossbar, leaving England unable to increase their lead.

The miss was particularly significant because Spain responded almost immediately.

Kane Watches in Disbelief After Penalty Miss

Spain complete the comeback

Alex Baena levelled for Spain in the 60th minute after England failed to deal with a misplaced pass. Baena collected the ball outside the area and curled his shot beyond Trafford.

Fourteen minutes later, Mikel Oyarzabal completed Spain’s comeback. Baena helped create the opening before Oyarzabal lifted his finish over the advancing Trafford to make it 3-2.

England pushed for an equaliser but Spain held on.

Spain Players Celebrate Victory Over England

A match of contrasting momentum

The game repeatedly changed direction.

Spain’s early goal demonstrated their ability to punish defensive mistakes, while England’s response showed their capacity to attack Spain in transition. England ultimately had opportunities to establish greater control, but the missed penalty and subsequent defensive errors allowed Spain to regain momentum.

England manager Thomas Tuchel later said his side had failed to deliver the decisive blow when opportunities presented themselves.

The defeat also continues a difficult pattern for England against Spain, who remain one of the dominant forces in international football.

The significance of the result

For Spain, the victory provides an important start to their Nations League campaign and further evidence of the depth available to Luis de la Fuente.

For England, the result is more complicated. They scored twice and produced periods of aggressive attacking football, but ultimately conceded three goals and failed to capitalise on the penalty opportunity.

The match therefore offers both sides material to assess as the Nations League campaign continues.

Key moments

What comes next

The Nations League campaign continues with both teams facing further Group A3 fixtures. England entered the international window with several notable absences, including Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Tino Livramento and Kobbie Mainoo, who withdrew because of injuries.

Spain, meanwhile, leave Wembley with another significant result as they continue their title defence and attempt to maintain their remarkable unbeaten sequence.