Spain and England will battle for top spot in UEFA Nations League Group A3 when they meet at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday evening.

Both nations have already secured qualification for the quarter-finals, but first place remains up for grabs. Spain hold a three-point advantage and need only avoid defeat to finish top, while England must win to leapfrog the world champions.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Bovada

Spain

Spain have continued to set the standard in international football since lifting the World Cup this summer.

Luis de la Fuente’s side have won all five of their Nations League matches and are the only League A team to maintain a perfect record heading into the final round of fixtures. Their latest success came courtesy of a 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic, where goals from Alex Baena and Marc Pubill secured all three points. The result not only extended Spain’s remarkable winning run, but also reinforced their status as one of the favourites to win the competition.

The Spaniards also have recent psychological advantages over England. De la Fuente’s men defeated the Three Lions 3-2 at Wembley earlier in the campaign and have regularly found ways to prevail over them in major encounters in recent years.

The hosts are expected to welcome back several key players. Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal should return after being rested against Czechia, while Nico Williams remains a fitness doubt due to illness.

With qualification already secured, Spain can approach the contest with confidence, but they will be determined to complete a flawless group-stage campaign.

England

England achieved their primary objective by securing a quarter-final place, but they still have an opportunity to finish top of the group.

Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Croatia 2-1 at Wembley on Thursday thanks to goals from Morgan Rogers and Harry Kane. The victory ensured the Three Lions would progress, but they trail Spain by three points heading into the decisive final match.

The equation is straightforward: England must win in Madrid.

A victory by any margin would take England level on points with Spain and hand them first place through the head-to-head tiebreak procedures described in the preview. As a result, Tuchel’s side know exactly what is required.

England’s attacking form has been impressive. They have scored at least twice in six consecutive matches and boast the strongest goal difference in the group.

Team News

Myles Lewis-Skelly returns from suspension, while Ezri Konsa is expected to recover from a minor issue and challenge for a place in the starting lineup, potentially displacing Jarell Quansah.

Captain Harry Kane, this year’s Ballon d’Or winner, obviously represents England’s main threat after continuing his outstanding international career with another crucial goal against Croatia.

Key Factors to Consider

• Spain have won all five of their Nations League matches.
• England have collected 12 points from five games.
• The Spaniards won 3-2 at Wembley earlier in the group.
• Both teams have already qualified for the quarter-finals.
• Lamine Yamal and Mikel Oyarzabal are expected to return for Spain.
• England have scored multiple goals in six consecutive matches.

Conclusion

England possess enough quality to trouble any opponent and arrive in Madrid knowing that only victory will be enough to secure first place.

However, Spain continue to look like the most complete international side in world football. Their control of possession, depth of talent and ability to deliver in major matches have been evident throughout this Nations League campaign. Their status as the champions of both Europe and the world is no fluke.

With Yamal and Oyarzabal expected to strengthen the starting lineup, Spain appear well positioned to finish the group stage by confirming the top spot.