England player ratings: Bellingham and Gordon shine in 3-2 Nations League defeat to Spain
England lost 3-2 to Spain in the Nations League, with Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon earning high ratings while Marc Guehi's error proved costly.
England were beaten 3-2 by world champions Spain in the Nations League, their first match since the summer's World Cup. Lamine Yamal gave Spain an early lead after Marc Guehi gifted possession, but Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane scored to put England ahead. Kane then missed a penalty, Alex Baena equalised, and Mikel Oyarzabal netted the winner.
In the player ratings, Jude Bellingham stood out with an 8, providing an assist for England's equaliser and winning the penalty that Kane missed. Anthony Gordon also received an 8, scoring an excellent counter-attack goal and posing a constant threat in behind. Kane was rated 7, his deflected header putting England in front before his penalty miss.
Guehi received the lowest rating of 5 for his uncharacteristic error that led to Yamal's opening goal. Most other England players were rated 6, including goalkeeper James Trafford, who made an important save but was beaten early, and Nico O'Reilly, who crossed for Kane's goal but gave the ball away for Spain's second.
Myles Lewis-Skelly made his first England start in central midfield and was given the tough task of trying to shut off supply to Spain's Rodri. He was replaced after 70 minutes by James Garner. Elliot Anderson also took time to settle against a Spain side that moved the ball well.
Substitutes Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White, Calvert-Lewin, and Jarrad Branthwaite all came on but had limited impact, each rated 6. The result leaves England with plenty to ponder as they reflect on a narrow defeat to the world champions.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
