'No one is unbeatable': Tuchel eager for England to impose style on Spain

Tuchel calls Sunday's Nations League decider against Spain in Madrid a 'final' as England bid for top spot and Euro 2028 preparation.

Thomas Tuchel has framed England's Nations League match against Spain on Sunday night in Madrid as a decisive test of his methods ahead of Euro 2028. England beat Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday to keep their chances of finishing top of the group alive. Victory over Spain, the world and European champions, would secure first place due to England's superior goal difference.

Spain have lost only once in 43 games, that defeat coming on penalties to Portugal in the 2025 Nations League final. They have won 12 straight matches since drawing with Cape Verde in their opening World Cup group game.

Tuchel and the FA view the Nations League as a springboard into the Euros, with the team desperate to reach the four-team finals tournament next June to ensure continued high-grade opposition and build winning habits.

Tuchel has re-geared his squad this season, fielding only 11 players from the World Cup against Croatia. He has given greater licence to Jude Bellingham to drift from the No 10 role and encouraged other players, including full-backs, to push into unconventional zones.

The approach is freer and more fluid, with Tuchel obsessed with accelerating play through midfield while maintaining principles of aggression, physicality and high-intensity pressing.