The pair met in a five-goal thriller at Wembley Stadium in late September, with Los Rojos winning 3-2 – a game that hinged on Harry Kane’s penalty miss in the 54th minute.
Their meeting this weekend bears even more weight, as if the Three Lions win, they can give themselves a chance of finishing top of Group A3, meaning a better seeding for the quarter-finals.
Kane has described the upcoming game as the perfect opportunity for England to prove themselves, but they would do much more than that with victory.
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Setting the record straight
England have been the nearly men of international football of late, reaching two World Cup semi-finals and two European Championship finals in four of their last five major tournaments.
Indeed, it was Spain who inflicted the Three Lions’ most recent European heartbreak, with Mikel Oyarzabal’s 86th-minute winner downing Gareth Southgate’s men.
Up to that point, England boasted a stellar record over their rivals in major tournaments, having only tasted defeat once in six meetings – a 1-0 defeat in the 1950 World Cup.
However, the Three Lions have struggled to get the better of Los Rojos during the latter’s period of international domination, winning just two of their last 10 in all competitions.
If Tuchel’s side can clinch a rare victory over the best team in the world, then it would be their first since their 3-2 Nations League victory in 2018, but more importantly, it would give them a psychological boost ahead of the upcoming Euros in 2028.
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Can England mix with the elite?
Tuchel acknowledged Spain as a “very complete” team after Thursday’s 2-1 win over Croatia, and as strong as his England side is, they are not yet complete.
One of the Three Lions’ major criticisms of the last two decades is that they struggle to overcome the bigger nations, and there is truth to that.
Including their most recent defeat to Los Rojos, England have only won six of their last 16 matches against teams ranked in the top 10, a stat that won’t win them silverware.
In their last four major tournaments, England have been knocked out by Italy, France, Spain and Argentina, and within the past two decades they have also been eliminated by Germany and Portugal, all of whom have lifted silverware in the last 20 years.
What Tuchel does possess in his arsenal is a couple of world-class players in Jude Bellingham and Kane, while there is significant talent in midfield and on the wings.
September’s meeting between England and Spain emphasised how this Three Lions team can mix it with the best, but their defence still threatens to be a trophy barrier.
Thomas Tuchel’s biggest test
Tuchel was appointed England boss to guide them past the so-called ‘big teams’ and win silverware, something Southgate was criticised for during his tenure.
The Three Lions’ World Cup exit to Argentina was an all-too-familiar story as they started strong before retreating into their shells, surrendering a fragile lead.
Labelled by many as an ‘elite’ manager, the German’s mission is now to prove that he has the mettle to avenge the World Cup semi-final defeat to the great foe and cast aside such opposition in upcoming tournaments.
Their performances of late have been encouraging, with his men attacking more fluidly with a clear plan, but that will be in vain if they can’t beat teams like Spain.
If the former Chelsea and PSG manager can mastermind a victory on Sunday, then it would at least elevate belief amongst supporters.
However, the ultimate tests remain ahead, and if the Three Lions could clinch Nations League silverware, then that could be the springboard that leads to ultimate success.
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