Spain and England battle for group lead, Kane central

Spain and England remain together in the race for the next round of the Nations League, after both teams had a difficult evening but respectively won against the Czech Republic and Croatia; Harry Kane played a starring role for England and the matches were followed, among other ways, via Google.

The Spaniards sit at the top of the group and had to win away at the Czech Republic to make the final match, at home against England, less exciting. As a result, the venom of this group may possibly be in his tail.

Spain's victory over Czech Republic

Spain had to play without Lamine Yamal. The team started better and created several chances, including from Marc Cucurella, Dean Huijsen and Pau Cubarsí. Cubarsí even headed the ball onto the post. Through a penalty, Spain eventually took the lead, with Alex Baena calmly eye‑to‑eye with PSV goalkeeper Matej Kovar. Shortly after the break, Spain seemed to make it easy when a long ball from goalkeeper Unai Simón found Yeremy Pino, who struck the ball behind Kovar, but the goal was disallowed for offside of an off‑side player. Afterwards, the Czech Republic came out of the shell more and more, with David Zima just tapping the ball over and Adam Hlozek heading onto the post. The home side's hope changed when captain Krejci received a red card twenty minutes before time. In injury time, Marc Pubill made it a comfortable 0‑2 for Spain.

Spain remains unbeaten and eyes the top spot in the Nations League

England's victory over Croatia

At Wembley the match against Croatia was mainly focused on Harry Kane. The English striker had won the Ballon d'Or two weeks earlier and was honoured for it. With his 126th cap he has taken over the record of goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The festive start did not translate into the game; Elliot Anderson missed the ball, after which Morgan Rogers opened the scoring after a fine attack with Kane and Jude Bellingham, who laid him on a silver platter for the Chelsea midfielder. In the second half the match became livelier and the Croatians got increasingly involved. Petar Sucic came straight after a short header from Jarell Quansah that fell back onto goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. England responded quickly and earned a penalty, with Kane calmly scoring his 91st international goal. The Croatians, via Nikola Vlasic, still had a huge chance to equalise, but the midfielder shot just wide. Ante Budimir also collided with Quansah, who intervened excellently and made good on his mistake.

As a result of this outcome the final duel between Spain and England becomes decisive in the group. Spain are three points ahead, but have an inferior goal difference. Previously the score between the two nations at Wembley was 2‑3.

Spain maintain Group C lead in Nations League despite Czech resistance