England take on Spain in a blockbuster UEFA Nations League fixture at Wembley Stadium on Saturday night.
It will be the first meeting between the two nations since the Euro 2024 final where goals from Nico Williams and Mikel Oyarzabal saw Spain crowned European champions for the fourth time.
However, many Three Lions supporters will argue England should have encountered Spain more recently, with Thomas Tuchel's men missing out on a World Cup final showdown against La Roja after capitulating in their semi-final against Argentina.
Both England and Spain are amongst the favourites to win the Nations League, along with Euro 2028 where England will be a host nation, and given the vast talent at the disposal of Tuchel and Luis de la Fuente, we've assembled a combined XI.
GK: Unai Simon
There's an argument to suggest Unai Simon is not even the best goalkeeper at Spain's disposal with David Raya and Joan Garcia waiting in the wings, but the Athletic Club shot-stopper has demonstrated his value to the national team during their Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup successes.
De la Fuente's undisputed number one admitted he didn't have a great deal to do throughout the tournament, making only 14 saves across eight matches, but his presence in La Roja's backline has been invaluable. A pivotal cog in enabling Spain to play out from their own six-yard box, Simon commands his half well to prevent Spain's high line from being exposed by long balls over the top.
Jordan Pickford has been an excellent servant for England, but Simon's startling record between the sticks for Spain is impossible to ignore.
RB: Reece James
It could have been extremely easy to have an all-Spain back five in light of their astounding defensive proficiency at the World Cup, but Reece James - when fit - possesses the skillset you would associate with the world's best full-backs.
Last season showcased that, when James' minutes were managed and the versatile defender was able to showcase his best form on both sides of the ball. An adept defender with his strength and mobility, James' pinpoint crossing means he's a substantial threat in the final third, and it's clear to see why Tuchel was so frustrated by his latest injury setback.
CB: Pau Cubarsi
Receiving the Golden Boy award at the 2026 World Cup, we will be talking about Pau Cubarsi as one of the best central defenders in the world for many years to come.
Cubarsi flaunts maturity beyond his years and has all of the attributes you desire in a world-class centre-back: speed, aggression, strength, composure and sharp anticipation.
Even in Barcelona's illustrious history, Cubarsi is a legend in the making.
CB: Aymeric Laporte
Marc Guehi is knocking on the door of this combined XI, but it would be unforgivable for me to break up the impenetrable partnership at the heart of Spain's defence.
Aymeric Laporte's critics wrote off his credentials as one of Europe's top central defenders when he left Manchester City for Saudi Arabia in 2023, but having returned to Athletic Club in 2025, the 32-year-old demonstrated he can still be an elite operator with a series of sweeping displays at the World Cup.
There was talk of Barcelona making a swoop for Laporte following the World Cup in light of how they complimented one another on Spain's path to glory in North America.
LB: Marc Cucurella
Despite his occasional irritating antics, Marc Cucurella has established himself as one of the best left-backs in the world.
The 28-year-old initially struggled at Chelsea following a £56m switch from Brighton, but following his recovery from ankle surgery in early 2024, Cucurella has gone from strength to strength, playing a heavily influential role in Spain's successful Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup conquests.
Now a key figure at Real Madrid, Cucurella's selection was one of the easy decisions in this XI.
DM: Rodri
There were concerns as to whether Rodri would ever be able to recpature the form that propelled him to the Ballon d'Or in 2024 when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury.
At the World Cup, he showcased his importance to La Roja, producing a series of masterful performances to inspire Spain to glory before receiving the Golden Ball award (Player of the Tournament).
His understated brilliance make him the backbone to De la Fuente's side, dictating matches with the ball at his feet and suffocating opponents without the ball to retrieve possession.
DM: Declan Rice
Central midfield is stacked with the likes of Pedri and Elliot Anderson vying for a starting berth here, but the all-action magnificence of Declan Rice would make for a fascinating and fruitful partnership alongside Rodri.
Rice has been criticised by Graeme Souness for being more of a defender than a midfielder, his ability to play as an effective, box-crashing eight and a dependable six make him a dependable figure for Tuchel and Mikel Arteta.
RW: Lamine Yamal
The one minor negative to Spain's World Cup triumph is that we were not able to witness a fully fit Lamine Yamal at the top of his game, because the precocious Barcelona winger is a mesmerising watch.
Comparisons to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have surrounded Yamal since his breakthrough season in 2023/24 at the age of 16, and the winger's productivity in his fledgling career surpasses what Messi and Ronaldo were achieving at the same age.
A Ballon d'Or feels inevitable for the La Masia product.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
It's remarkable to think that little over four months ago there were genuine conversations assessing whether Jude Bellingham merited a spot in England's starting XI.
The Real Madrid star silenced his critics with a string of heroic performances at the World Cup, scoring in successive knockout matches and leading the England camp across a variety of metrics including goal involvements, big chances, successful take-ons and fouls won.
He is a game-changing superstar who provides England with an X-factor.
LW: Nico Williams
Nico Williams is challenged by Anthony Gordon for a starting berth on the left flank and despite the Englishman's impressive start at Barcelona, the Athletic Club winger edges this battle courtesy of his exceptional speed, intricate two-footed ability and output in the final third.
Like Yamal, Williams has also been blighted by injury in recent months, and after being one of the stars of Euro 2024, the 24-year-old was unable to deliver the desired impact for De la Fuente.
Regardless, Williams has all of the ingredients to operate at an elite level, and it will be interesting to see if he remains loyal to Athletic Club while Europe's behemoths continue to linger.
ST: Harry Kane
Mikel Oyarzabal's goal record and importance for Spain is not to be sniffed at, but the inclusion of Harry Kane is an easy one.
Just when you think the Bayern Munich talisman is nearing an age where his productivity might slow down, he manages to produce staggering numbers which should at the very least place him in the top two for this year's Ballon d'Or award.
73 goals for club and country is quite frankly obscene.
