England face Spain seeking to end world champions' 43-match unbeaten run

Summarised from 6 outlets · 7 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 20:44 · Archive

England travel to Madrid on Sunday to face world champions Spain, who are unbeaten in 43 matches.

England travel to Madrid on Sunday to face world champions Spain in what Tuchel described as the biggest test in world football. Spain's unbeaten run stretches to 43 matches, during which they have won the World Cup by beating Argentina in New Jersey in summer and claimed the European Championship at Euro 2024, beating England in the Berlin final. England lost the reverse fixture 3-2 at Wembley in September, though Harry Kane missed a penalty that could have put England 3-1 ahead.

Tuchel said the fixture would provide 'proof of concept on the highest level'. He added: 'It's the biggest test in world football. Spain are unbelievable on an incredible run. Spain won the last big titles. We are trying to take it away from them. We are up for it. We are in a good moment to push our limits.' England captain Harry Kane, the Ballon d'Or winner, described the match as 'the perfect opportunity to try and prove ourselves'.

Tuchel confirmed that James Trafford will start in goal, continuing his approach of alternating between Trafford and Jordan Pickford. Tuchel said: 'We want to try and see how far Traff is. That hasn't changed. So he gets a highly competitive match.' He described Pickford, who has 94 international caps, as his current No 1 but said playing matches 'where it really matters' was the best way for Trafford to show he was ready.

Ezri Konsa has returned to the squad after injury and is available for selection. Djed Spence is also back, meaning Tuchel has full choice in his back four. The match will be played at the Metropolitano Stadium and victory would secure England top spot in their Nations League group, offering the prospect of a more favourable quarter-final tie in March.

How it is being reported

• England's Euro 2028 mission starts NOW! Thomas Tuchel's men must beat Spain to prove they can compete with the best - or risk their 'DNA' cursing them yet again, writes OLIVER HOLTOLIVER HOLT: Spain are formidable opposition. They are on a record-breaking run of 43 matches unbeaten and have won their last 12 in succession.Daily Mail Sport · 14 Nov, 21:10
• Thomas Tuchel reveals major England selection decision for crunch Spain clashThree Lions go to Madrid hoping to secure top spot in Nations League groupEvening Standard · 14 Nov, 20:31
• Jordan Pickford discovers where he stands as James Trafford gets Spain nod AGAINThomas Tuchel has confirmed James Trafford will start in England's crucial showdown with Spain on Sunday - but insists Jordan Pickford remains his No 1 goalkeeperMirror Sport · 14 Nov, 20:30
• Spain test will reveal if Tuchel and England have learned World Cup lessonsEngland's game with world champions Spain will reveal if head coach Thomas Tuchel has learned from summer disappointment, says chief football writer Phil McNulty.BBC Sport · 14 Nov, 20:22
• A new No 1? How to stop Lamine Yamal? Tuchel's selection issuesAgainst the best team in the world, Thomas Tuchel's defensive decisions will be key. And he has many to make.Sky Sports · 14 Nov, 16:02
• Thomas Tuchel explains why England are ‘ready’ to end Spain’s unbeaten runEngland were beaten 3-2 by the world champions in September and now take them on in MadridIndependent Sport · 13 Nov, 19:48
• Thomas Tuchel must double down with Trent Alexander-Arnold if he wants to kill England narrativeENGLAND 2-1 CROATIA: Trent Alexander-Arnold has battled his way back into the Three Lions fold but if Thomas Tuchel is truly prepared to free England from their shackles, he will let the Real Madrid right-back loose on Sunday in the Spanish capitalMirror Sport · 12 Nov, 21:33

In this story: England · Spain · Thomas Tuchel · James Trafford · Jordan Pickford · Harry Kane · Madrid · Argentina

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