England begin their new Nations League campaign against Spain at Wembley tonight, with the reigning world and European champions providing an immediate test for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
With both nations boasting considerable attacking and midfield talent, we have selected a combined XI from the two squads.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford – England
Spain’s Unai Simón provides strong competition, but Pickford gets the nod after another impressive tournament with England at the World Cup.
The Everton goalkeeper has established himself as England’s long-standing No.1 and remains particularly valuable in high-pressure international fixtures.
Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold – England
A position where England have gained an important option with Alexander-Arnold’s return.
The Real Madrid defender was omitted from Tuchel’s World Cup squad but has been recalled for the Nations League after making a positive start to the season in Spain. Tuchel described his return as an opportunity after Alexander-Arnold had started several games for Madrid.
🗣️ "He will have his chance to impress and take back the shirt."
England boss Thomas Tuchel on Trent Alexander-Arnold returning to the squad 🏴 pic.twitter.com/GbSvpU5XqL
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 25, 2026
His passing range and ability to create from deep give him the edge over Spain’s options at right-back.
Centre-back: Marc Guéhi – England
Guéhi has become one of the most dependable defenders in England’s squad and earns his place here.
His composure in possession and ability to defend large spaces make him a good fit alongside Spain’s more technical defensive options.
Centre-back: Pau Cubarsí – Spain
At just 19, Cubarsí already looks remarkably comfortable at the highest level.
A special moment for a rising star ✨
Pau Cubarsí receives the FIFA Young Player Award presented by @aramco#FIFAWorldCup #YoungPlayerAward pic.twitter.com/UkLVMQGYHA
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 20, 2026
The Barcelona defender combines calm distribution with an impressive ability to read danger, making him an intriguing partner for Guéhi in this XI.
Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Spain
Cucurella gets the nod on the left after establishing himself as a key component of Spain’s recent success.
His energy, aggressive pressing and willingness to move into midfield make him particularly well suited to Spain’s possession-based football.
Midfield: Rodri – Spain
There is little argument against Rodri taking the deepest midfield role.
The Manchester City midfielder remains one of the finest controllers in world football, capable of dictating tempo while providing the defensive security that allows Spain’s creative players to attack.
Midfield: Jude Bellingham – England
Bellingham’s performances during the World Cup reaffirmed his status among the elite.
Back-to-back ✨@BellinghamJude is once again your England Men's Player of the Year connected by @EE! 🏆
— England (@England) September 25, 2026
His ability to carry the ball, arrive in dangerous areas and influence matches physically gives England a player who can complement Rodri rather than simply duplicate his strengths.
Midfield: Pedri – Spain
Pedri completes the midfield three.
The Barcelona star provides the technical quality to operate between the lines while also possessing the intelligence to find space around Bellingham and Rodri.
It would be a midfield capable of controlling possession while still offering plenty of penetration.
Right wing: Lamine Yamal – Spain
One of the easier selections.
The race is on 🌕
Lamine Yamal's case for the Ballon d'Or.Find everything about him here: https://t.co/C3hJOW7X4C#ballondor pic.twitter.com/mMF644QmXZ
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) September 22, 2026
Yamal has continued to develop into the focal point of Spain’s attack and possesses the combination of creativity, dribbling and end product to trouble even the strongest defences.
Bukayo Saka would make this a close contest, but Yamal gets the nod.
Left wing: Anthony Gordon – England
Gordon gets the final wide position after establishing himself as a more complete attacking player.
His pace and direct running provide something different from Yamal on the opposite flank, while his willingness to press would suit the intensity of this particular fixture.
Striker: Harry Kane – England
Kane remains the obvious choice up front.
Spain have several technically gifted forwards, but none combine Kane’s goalscoring record, link-up play and ability to influence matches from deeper positions.
🗣️ "I'd be extremely proud to win it. I've done a lot of great things that I'm proud of last year. "
Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane discusses the possibility of winning the Ballon d'Or 🏆 pic.twitter.com/if4fVPZR7Y
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 25, 2026
The England captain remains one of the most reliable goalscorers in international football and would lead this side.
England vs Spain combined XI
Jordan Pickford
Trent Alexander-Arnold – Pau Cubarsí – Marc Guéhi – Marc Cucurella
Rodri – Jude Bellingham – Pedri
Lamine Yamal – Harry Kane – Anthony Gordon
That leaves us with six Spanish players and five Englishmen, with the biggest debates arguably coming in goal, at right wing and across the centre-back positions.
The real intrigue will come when the two sides meet at Wembley, with Spain arriving as the reigning world and European champions and England beginning a new Nations League campaign after their third-place finish at the World Cup.
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