Spain begin their latest European campaign with a defining Wembley test on Saturday, as Luis de la Fuente’s side meet England in a repeat of the European Championship final and the first step towards reclaiming the title surrendered to Portugal in 2025.
Key takeaways
- England host Spain at Wembley on Saturday 26 September 2026, with kick-off set for 20:45.
- The fixture reunites the finalists from the last European Championship.
- Spain arrive after their triumph over Argentina, the team that eliminated England in the World Cup semi-finals.
- England have won 14 of the 28 previous meetings, while Spain have recorded 11 victories and there have been three draws.
- Trent has returned to England’s squad, while Josep Martínez and Roberto are included in Spain’s selection for the first time.
- Huijsen and Fermín are back in the Spain group.
Wembley opens a new European chapter
There is no gentle return to continental competition for Spain. Wembley offers England the chance to measure themselves against the side that reached glory against Argentina, while Spain face a familiar rival on one of European football’s biggest stages.
The meeting also carries the memory of the last European final, with the two nations now beginning another pursuit of the trophy. Spain’s immediate objective is to launch a campaign that could lead to the recovery of the title they lost to Portugal last year.
England, led by Thomas Tuchel, have been drawn alongside Croatia and the Czech Republic. Their opening assignment against Spain therefore has consequences beyond the occasion: a strong result would shape the mood of their entire European week and establish an early position in the group.
Selection changes on both sides
The historical record gives England a narrow edge. Of 28 encounters between the countries, England have taken 14 wins, Spain have claimed 11, and three matches have finished level.
Tuchel has recalled Trent to his squad for the Wembley occasion. Spain, meanwhile, have handed first call-ups to goalkeeper Josep Martínez and Roberto, while Huijsen and Fermín return to De la Fuente’s selection.
For Spain, the night is about more than revisiting a final. It is the opening move in a continental campaign, played away from home against a major rival and under the scrutiny that comes whenever Wembley hosts a match with European silverware in the distance.
