UEFA Nations League: Spain Spin Wembley Turn Around Against England as Modrić Leads Croatia Past Czechia
Spain produced a dramatic comeback at Wembley on Saturday, overturning a half-time deficit to beat England 3–2, while Luka Modrić inspired Croatia to a 2–1 victory over Czechia as the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League got into full swing.
The two League A encounters provided the biggest talking points on the final day of Matchday 1, with Spain and Croatia both making winning starts in Group A3.
Spain Complete Wembley Comeback
Spain recovered from 2–1 down to defeat England in a five-goal thriller at Wembley.
Lamine Yamal gave the visitors an early lead, but England responded strongly. Anthony Gordon equalised before Harry Kane put the hosts ahead before half-time.
Kane then had the opportunity to extend England’s advantage from the penalty spot, but his second-half effort was saved.
Spain capitalised on the missed opportunity as substitute Álex Baena restored parity before Mikel Oyarzabal completed the comeback in the 74th minute.
Oyarzabal’s goal carried an added sense of déjà vu. The Spain forward also scored the decisive goal against England in the Euro 2024 final, again proving decisive against the Three Lions.
The result gives Spain three points from their opening Group A3 fixture, while England begin the campaign without a point.
Spain’s next assignment is another major test against Croatia on Tuesday, while England travel to Czechia.
Modrić Leads Croatia Past Czechia
In Prague, Croatia began their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Czechia, with veteran midfielder Luka Modrić once again at the centre of the action.
After a goalless first half, Modrić broke the deadlock shortly after the restart with a composed finish.
Czechia responded quickly through Adam Karabec, who levelled seven minutes later to give the hosts renewed hope.
Croatia, however, regained the initiative and secured victory when substitute Marco Pašalić headed home Ivan Perišić’s cross.
The win marked a positive return for Slaven Bilić to the Croatia bench, while Modrić’s performance underlined his continuing influence in the national team.
Croatia now turn their attention to Spain in Tuesday’s Group A3 encounter, while Czechia will host England.
Saturday’s Other Results
Elsewhere, Switzerland made an impressive start to their first League B campaign with a 3–0 win away to North Macedonia.
Finland recorded the day’s biggest victory, thrashing San Marino 7–0, with Joel Pohjanpalo scoring the first hat-trick of the new Nations League edition.
Albania defeated Belarus 2–0, while Slovakia also recorded a 2–0 victory over Moldova.
Luxembourg began their Group C4 campaign with a 2–1 away win against Bulgaria, while Iceland and Estonia drew 1–1.
Slovenia and Scotland played out a goalless draw, while Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan also shared the points in a 1–1 draw.
Group A3 Takes Shape
After the opening round, Spain and Croatia have three points each at the top of Group A3, with England and Czechia yet to register a point.
The second round of fixtures on Tuesday will immediately bring another heavyweight encounter, as Spain host Croatia, while England visit Czechia.
With the group featuring four high-profile sides, Saturday’s results have set up an early contest for control, with Spain and Croatia holding the initial advantage.
