Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane star in Nations League wins for Spain and England

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 4, 2026

Spain maintained a 40-game unbeaten streak with a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic, highlighted by Lamine Yamal’s early goal, while England crushed Croatia 7-0 with Harry Kane scoring twice to become England’s all-time top scorer. These results strengthen Spain’s lead in Nations League Group A and underscore Kane and Yamal’s growing influence as they position themselves for Ballon d’Or recognition.

Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane played pivotal roles as Spain and England secured victories in their respective Nations League matches on Saturday.

Spain extended its unbeaten streak to 40 games with a 3-1 home win against the Czech Republic in Oviedo. Yamal opened the scoring early, delivering a striking curling shot from outside the penalty area in the sixth minute that left Czech goalkeeper Antonín Kinský unable to react. The goal highlighted Yamal’s growing influence as a key attacking player for Spain. Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, and substitute Mikel Merino also found the net, helping Spain record a third consecutive win and maintain a three-point lead over England in Group A of the Nations League.

Meanwhile, England dominated hosts Croatia with a commanding 7-0 victory in Rijeka. Kane scored twice, extending his record as England’s all-time leading scorer to 89 international goals, surpassing Wayne Rooney by 36 goals. Right winger Bukayo Saka contributed two goals, while left winger Anthony Gordon played a key role by assisting Jude Bellingham’s goal and scoring himself. Substitute Morgan Rogers rounded off the scoring to complete the rout.

England Coach Thomas Tuchel praised his team’s performance, noting their fluidity and relentless pace throughout the match. “We were so fluid right from the start. It just never stopped,” Tuchel said. “We just kept the pace up and played through the gaps. We were very, very clinical.”

Spain Coach Luis de la Fuente expressed admiration for Yamal’s skillful effort, describing the goal as a moment of disbelief and excitement. Midfielder Pedri shared in the celebration, embracing Yamal near the corner flag after the goal.

Elsewhere in the Nations League, Switzerland secured a 2-1 home victory over Slovenia in Luzern, marking their third consecutive win. Scotland also recorded a 2-0 win against North Macedonia in Skopje, their first triumph in League B group play.

The Nations League fixtures continue to provide a competitive platform as players such as Yamal and Kane vie for individual accolades ahead of the Ballon d’Or announcement later this month.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.