This is what it looks like when England play to their strengths. At times they had Spain on the ropes

At Wembley against Spain, England delivered a second-half turnaround that reshaped the mood around Thomas Tuchel’s project. The writer argues the point wasn’t only winning, but reaffirming the style Tuchel wants and building belief ahead of the remaining two years of his contract and Euro 2028. England couldn’t match Spain in Spain’s strongest areas, but when they leaned into their own strengths—physicality, pressing high, and fast counterattacks—they became dangerous. After falling behind in the second minute, they stayed focused on a game plan built around quick switches to players like Anthony Gordon and Jarell Quansah.