Spain test will reveal if Tuchel and England have learned World Cup lessons

England face world champions Spain in Madrid on Sunday in a Nations League clash that will test whether Tuchel has learned from World Cup disappointment.

England travel to Madrid to face world champions Spain in a Nations League encounter on Sunday night at the Metropolitano Stadium. Spain are unbeaten in 43 games, including their Euro 2024 triumph over England in the final and their World Cup victory in the summer. They have won 15 of their last 20 home games since September 2022.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named Leeds United goalkeeper James Trafford to start, continuing to rotate with Jordan Pickford. The match represents a significant test of whether England have progressed since their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, which Tuchel faced criticism for his tactical approach.

England captain Harry Kane, the Ballon d'Or winner, described it as "the perfect opportunity to try and prove ourselves." Midfielder Declan Rice echoed the sentiment, saying the fixture will show where England stand as a group.

England's most recent win in Spain came in October 2018, a 3-2 Nations League victory in Sevilla. They lost 3-2 at Wembley to Spain in September, with Kane missing a penalty that could have given England a decisive 3-1 lead. England arrive in Madrid on the back of four successive victories, including a 2-1 win over Croatia on Thursday.