Spain v England: probable line-ups for Nations League clash in Madrid

Spain and England are expected to use 4-2-3-1 formations when they meet in the Nations League on Sunday, 15 November 2026.

The match will be played at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, with kick-off at 19:45 GMT. It is the sixth round of fixtures in the group phase of the competition.

Spain are likely to rely on the system that has become their preferred shape. The formation is designed to give them control of possession while retaining a threat in the final third.

A back four should provide the defensive base, with two deeper midfielders responsible for protecting the centre and helping Spain build attacks from the back. Ahead of them, three attacking midfielders are expected to operate between the lines and supply the lone striker.

That structure reflects the Roja’s emphasis on possession, pressing high up the pitch and quick movement intended to restrict England’s time on the ball.

Spain’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Unai Simon

Defenders: Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsi, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella

Midfielders: Yeremy Pino, Martin Zubimendi; Fermin Lopez, Fabian, Alex Baena

Forward: Ferran Torres

England are also expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1, offering a similar structure to Spain’s and allowing them to contest the midfield battle directly.

Their two central midfielders will be tasked with protecting the space in front of the defence and disrupting Spain’s attempts to play through the middle. The three players behind the striker should provide pace and creativity, while the wide players will be important to England’s attacking transitions.

The Three Lions are expected to depend on a compact defensive block, quick counter-attacks and the effectiveness of their wingers as they attempt to make the difference at the Metropolitano.

England’s probable XI

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Dan Burn, Myles Lewis-Skelly

Midfielders: Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson, Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon

Forward: Harry Kane

Spain will soon face England in their sixth Nations League group-stage fixture. The match is listed as a contest in which Spain are favourites, with 1xbet giving them odds of 1.63 for victory.

A draw is priced at 3.70, while an England win is listed at 3.90.