Lamine Yamal Caps Spain’s Fast Wembley Start After Guehi Error
Spain struck inside two minutes at Wembley as Lamine Yamal punished a costly Marc Guehi mistake to put England under immediate pressure.
Guehi hesitated on the ball around 25 yards from his own goal, allowing Yamal to take possession and drive into the penalty area. The Spain forward then bent his finish beyond James Trafford, with the ball clipping the inside of the post before crossing the line.
Quick facts
- Lamine Yamal scored after two minutes at Wembley.
- The goal followed Marc Guehi losing possession 25 yards from goal.
- It was England’s third-fastest goal conceded at Wembley, behind Scotland in 1957 and Hungary in 1953.
- Ferran Torres had a goal ruled out and missed two further one-on-one chances.
- James Trafford made an important save from Torres in the 16th minute.
Yamal’s opener was the third-earliest goal England have conceded at Wembley. Only first-minute strikes by Scotland in 1957 and Hungary in 1953 came sooner.
Spain repeatedly found space against an unsettled England back line during the opening half-hour. In the 16th minute, Yamal slipped Ferran Torres through after Jarell Quansah had dropped too deep on the far side and played him onside.
Torres had a clear route to goal, but Trafford spread himself well and diverted the effort wide with his left leg. The goalkeeper’s reaction prevented Spain from doubling their lead during a difficult spell for England.
Torres had already seen a volley from Fabian Ruiz’s cross ruled out for offside. Spain then created another major opening in the 27th minute when Rodri threaded an angled pass between Elliot Anderson and Ezri Konsa.
The forward again broke free against Trafford but dragged a low attempt past the far post. Spain had enough chances to establish a three-goal advantage before the half-hour, yet their lead remained at one.
England need a sharper defensive shape to stop the runs and passes Spain have exploited so easily. Spain, meanwhile, will want their early wastefulness in front of goal not to undermine Yamal’s fast start.
