Spain win in Prague and need just a point against England to top the group

Spain didn't even need to win in Prague. They did it anyway, and the unbeaten run now stands at 44 matches.

The result barely mattered for the Nations League table. Because Spain won at Wembley last month, even a draw or a defeat against England on Sunday would give them first place in the group, thanks to the head-to-head tiebreaker.

What happened in Prague? ⚽

It was a cold, slow first half. The opener only arrived after more than 30 minutes, when Czech defender Ambros controlled the ball with his arm inside the box. VAR (the video referee) flagged it, and Álex Baena scored the penalty.

Fabián hit the crossbar just before the break. After the restart, Yeremy Pino thought he had made it two after a lovely pass from goalkeeper Unai Simón. VAR ruled him offside, and the goal was chalked off.

The Czechs, coached by Santi Denia, then grew into the game with corners and noise, and they hit the woodwork too. Then, in the 70th minute, Krejci stopped Roberto Fernández as he ran through on goal. The referee first showed a yellow card, but VAR stepped in and it became a red. Pubill later scored for Spain.

Who played?

Coach Luis de la Fuente rested his three main forwards: Lamine Yamal, Oyarzabal and Nico Williams. Dani Olmo was out injured.

But he still started plenty of players who should feature on Sunday, including Unai Simón, Cubarsí, Cucurella, Zubimendi and Fabián. Pedro Porro, a hero of the World Cup, was back after injury. Fermín López stood out most, with runs behind the defence that kept the Czech back line scrambling.

What came before, and what's next?

Spain were crowned world champions in July 2026, and in October they beat England at Wembley. That win is the reason a single point is now enough.

Sunday's rematch with England is at the Metropolitano, Atlético Madrid's home stadium in Madrid. The result may not decide the group, but nobody in Spain will want to end that unbeaten run.