Lamine Yamal double helps Spain extend unbeaten run as England defeat 10-man Czech Republic

Spain extended their unbeaten run to 40 matches with a 4-1 victory over Croatia, while England beat the Czech Republic 2-0 in Prague to maintain their progress in Nations League Group A3.

World Cup winners Spain preserved their perfect start to the group with another impressive home performance on Tuesday. The result came after their 3-2 victory over England at Wembley on Saturday and repeated the Nations League final between the sides in 2023, when Spain won on penalties.

Rodri paraded the World Cup on the pitch before Spain’s first home match since lifting the trophy in July, but it was Lamine Yamal who quickly took centre stage.

The forward opened the scoring in the second minute after Alex Baena delivered the ball into the area and Fermin Lopez allowed it to run through. Lamine met it first time, curling a low shot into the far corner.

Baena was then denied by Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, who parried his effort away as Spain threatened to take control. However, Croatia levelled in the 28th minute when Dion Beljo headed home.

Spain restored their lead less than three minutes later. Lamine sent a cross from the right into the six-yard box, where Marc Pubill rose to power a header past Livakovic.

Lamine added his second goal in the 63rd minute, receiving a pass from Pedri inside the area before firing into the net from a tight angle. Substitute Nico Williams completed the scoring in the 89th minute.

In Prague, England took advantage of their numerical superiority to secure victory, although they were made to work hard in the first half.

The hosts had shown early promise before Pavel Sulc was sent off in the 23rd minute for a foul on Elliot Anderson. Morgan Rogers later struck the post, while Anderson’s follow-up was blocked by Robin Hranac.

The Czech Republic then dropped deeper, and England struggled to create clear opportunities despite having an extra player. Thomas Tuchel’s side finally broke through two minutes after half-time.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his first England start in almost two years and only his second appearance under Tuchel, delivered a floated cross into the box. Anthony Gordon stooped to head the ball into the bottom corner.

Gordon almost set up a second moments later, but Lewis Hall pulled his shot wide after receiving a cutback. Hall then sent another cross into the area, with Czech captain Ladislav Krejci nearly turning it into his own goal before the ball struck the post.

England eventually doubled their advantage in the 69th minute. Harry Kane reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area and swept his finish into the far corner.

Eberechi Eze was denied by the goalkeeper late on, while substitute Alex Scott went close to scoring on his debut. After combining with Eze in a one-two, Scott sent his effort wide.