The victory in Split preserved Spain’s long unbeaten run and ensured they will finish in the top two in the four-team group and advance to the quarter-finals. England stayed three points behind Spain with a home win and will advance to the last four if they do not lose their next game at home to Croatia by eight or more goals. Spain fought back against Croatia to win 2-1 in Split on Tuesday and remain perfect in Nations League Group A3 while Harry Kane continued his hot form as England beat the Czech Republic 3-0 to stay second.
England lost their opener at home to Spain, when Kane missed a penalty that would have salvaged a draw, but have since won three games. Croatia created the most dangerous chances and Matanovic could have doubled the lead While Spain dominated first-half possession. The one blemish in that run for the European and World Champions was a penalty shootout loss to Portugal after the last Nations League final had ended in a draw. Their veteran striker scored once away to the Czechs and twice in Croatia.
The win stretched Spain’s unbeaten run to 42 games. Kane finished off a quick, clever England attack by wrong-footing the goalkeeper from close range after 40 minutes. He hit the crossbar early in the second half and then headed home a corner after 57 minutes. In League B, Ryan Christie coolly flicked the ball between his legs to score a 31st-minute opener for Scotland at home to Slovenia but Aljosa Matko and Danijel Sturm hit back after half time to give the visitors a 2-1 win. Leaders Switzerland ensured they will finish in the top two after they beat North Macedonia 3-0 in Lucerne, Fabian Rieder gave the hosts a first-half lead and Johan Manzambi and Dan Ndoye added late goals.
With a minute of normal time left, Merino found space in the box to turn and drive home the winner.
