England lose 3-2 to Spain after Kane penalty hits crossbar

England lost 3-2 to Spain at Wembley in their Nations League opener on Saturday, September 26, surrendering a second-half lead after Harry Kane struck the crossbar with a penalty. The defeat ended England’s hopes of stopping Spain’s reported 39-match unbeaten run and left coach Thomas Tuchel pointing to costly errors and missed chances. Spain took the lead inside two minutes when Lamine Yamal dispossessed Marc Guehi and scored. England responded through Anthony Gordon and Kane, whose first-half header put the hosts ahead. Kane then had the chance to extend the advantage from the spot after the break, but his penalty hit the crossbar while England led 2-1. Spain equalised through Alex Baena after Nico O’Reilly lost possession in the buildup, then won the match with Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal. Tuchel said England had made too many mistakes at a level where details mattered, and that his side could have won had it taken its opportunities and defended better. The manager described the penalty as a potentially decisive moment, saying a third England goal might have strengthened the team’s momentum and belief.