Nations League round-up: England outclassed by Spain, Greece upset Germany and more

England were outclassed by Spain while Greece upset Germany in the Nations League
England were outclassed by Spain while Greece upset Germany in the Nations League

England fell to a dramatic 3-2 defeat against World Cup 2026 winners Spain in Nations League action at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Despite an impressive attacking display, the hosts’ defensive weaknesses were laid bare as Luis de la Fuente’s side demonstrated exactly why they are considered the world’s best national team.

Meanwhile, Germany’s difficult start to life under Jürgen Klopp continued with a 1-0 loss to Greece in Augsburg and Gonçalo Ramos was the hero for Portugal during a 2-1 win over Norway in Oslo.

Elsewhere on the weekend, the Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1, Denmark trumped Wales 2-0, Croatia overcame Czechia 2-1 and Slovenia and Scotland fought to a 0-0 draw.

Spain outclass England

In London, Lamine Yamal put Spain ahead before Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane turned the game around, but Álex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal netted second-half strikes to seal the win for the visitors.

Reflecting on the result, England manager Thomas Tuchel told Sky Sports: “We did everything to beat Spain. Details matter on this level. Clear-cut mistakes were too high on our side.

“In the last 20 metres, they were more clinical and composed to convert our ball losses into clear-cut chances.

“We had them, we had our chance to beat them – we will keep on pushing, but I think the way we played was enough to beat them.

“We had the worst possible start against a team like Spain who loves to control the game; we could have won it.

“[England] have to recover from it, learn from it. Do what we did good and reduce and improve on our mistakes.”

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Tom Banton and Harry Brook England
Tom Banton and Harry Brook England

Greece shock Germany

At the WWK Arena, substitute Dimitrios Kourbelis grabbed the only goal of the clash as Greece stunned their hosts to leave former Liverpool boss Klopp still searching for his first win since taking the Germany reins from Julian Nagelsmann.

After the game, Klopp said on the BBC: “I could have lived with us not winning, but you cannot lose such a game.

“We have been together for a week now, all mixed together, and that needs time.

“The result is not cool, but it is absolutely part of the process.”

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Portugal overturn Norway

João Félix and Ramos both scored at the Ullevaal Stadion to help Portugal beat Norway, who could only manage a solitary effort through Erling Haaland, with Cristiano Ronaldo surprisingly remaining an unused substitute.

According to SuperSport, Ramos stated post-match: “Every moment is important.

“But the most important thing is to show what I can do whenever I’m called upon and to contribute to the team.

“It was a demonstration of my work, of what I can offer the team – not just goals, but everything I do on the pitch.”

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By Michael Davey

Michael completed a Digital Media & Film degree at the University of Cape Town.

He is a Manchester United fan who also follows cricket, tennis, and rugby union, primarily supporting the Springboks and Proteas.

When all else fails, Michael enjoys data analysis and creating engaging sports content.

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