When England host Spain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday in their UEFA Nations League opener the two nations begin a new UEFA Nations League campaign with several emerging players in their squads.
With several established players absent from the latest squads, both managers have opportunities to assess younger players during the new Nations League campaign.
With both sides likely to place emphasis on possession and movement, several young players could have important roles to play.
Striver.Football profiles six young players to watch and explains why they could be important to the fixture.
England Young Players to Watch
Nico O’Reilly (21)
Key 2026/27 Stats: 4 Premier League appearances | 91% passing completion in the final third | 2.1 chances created per 90 minutes
Why Watch Him: The towering Manchester City academy graduate has seamlessly transitioned into the senior international fold. Standing at 6'4", O'Reilly pairs a physically imposing frame with the delicate close control and spatial awareness of a classic technical playmaker.
Operating as an advanced No. 8 or No. 10, his ability to receive under pressure and play forward passes could give England another option against Spain's midfield press.
Myles Lewis-Skelly (19)
Key 2026/27 Stats: 5 Premier League appearances | 92% pass accuracy | 2.6 tackles per game at club level
Why Watch Him: The 19-year-old Arsenal defender has developed into a versatile option for England. Known for his elite press resistance and structural intelligence, Lewis-Skelly is equally comfortable stepping into central midfield or playing as an inverted fullback.
Against Spain's highly fluid attacking shapes, his positional discipline and ability to recover quickly could help England maintain their defensive shape during transitions.
Elliot Anderson (23)
Key 2026/27 Stats: 5 Premier League starts | 2 Assists | 86% dribble success rate
Why Watch Him: The 23-year-old midfielder brings energy, ball-carrying ability and a strong work rate to England's midfield.
Anderson excels at executing high-intensity vertical drives from deep midfield positions, dragging opposing defensive structures out of position.
His ability to carry the ball and compete in midfield could help England challenge Spain's technical midfield.
Spain Young Players to Watch
Lamine Yamal (19)
Key 2026/27 Stats: 8 appearances | 8 goals | 6 assists for Barcelona
Why Watch Him: The 19-year-old Barcelona forward has made a prolific start to the 2026/27 season, headlining Spain's electric attack.
Possessing lethal close control, explosive bursts of acceleration, and a highly unpredictable passing radar from the right wing, Yamal's close control and acceleration make him a major 1-v-1 threat.
If England allow him space around the edge of the final third, his creativity could create significant problems for the defence.
Fermin Lopez (23)
Key 2026/27 Stats: 6 La Liga appearances | 4 goals | 2 assists
Why Watch Him: Operating as an attacking midfielder, the 23-year-old Barcelona player offers Spain another option between midfield and attack.
Lopez is a master of the half-turn, constantly hunting for space between defensive lines and making lethal late entries into the penalty area.
His counter-pressing could also help Spain put pressure on England when they try to build from the back.
Dean Huijsen (21)
Key 2026/27 Stats: 6 domestic starts | 93% progressive passing accuracy | 3.8 aerial duels won per game
Why Watch Him: The 21-year-old central defender combines his physical presence with the passing ability to help Spain build from the back.
Huijsen's ability to play long diagonal passes gives Spain an option for bypassing England's press. His aerial duels against England's forwards could be an important individual battle.
What Young Players Can Learn From England vs Spain
Technical Adaptability
Lamine Yamal's development shows the value of being able to create in different attacking situations. His current Barcelona output combines goals and assists with wide 1-v-1 ability, giving young players an example of how technical quality can be translated into senior-level production.
Positional Versatility
Myles Lewis-Skelly demonstrates how positional flexibility can expand a young player's pathway into senior football.
His ability to operate at left-back and step into midfield gives England another tactical option while he continues developing his long-term role.
Turning Club Form Into International Opportunities
Nico O'Reilly and Elliot Anderson show how consistent club involvement can lead to opportunities with England. Both were included in Thomas Tuchel's latest squad for the Nations League campaign, alongside Lewis-Skelly.
Developing Beyond the Final Third
Dean Huijsen offers a different lesson: young defenders can influence games through their distribution as well as their defensive work.
His role at Real Madrid has given him regular senior experience, and his return to Spain's squad provides another opportunity to develop at international level.
Making Impact Through Goals and Assists
Fermin Lopez's start to the season highlights the value of end product from midfield. With four La Liga goals and two assists so far, his attacking contribution gives Spain another option around the penalty area.
