Merino brace seals Spain comeback win over Croatia

Mikel Merino came off the bench to score twice as Spain overturned a one-goal deficit to beat Croatia 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday.

Ivan Perisic headed Croatia in front before Merino, introduced at half-time, struck twice in the final 30 minutes to seal the win and extend Spain's unbeaten run to 11 matches.

The equaliser came after Dani Olmo collected a poor clearance and found Merino, who finished. The winner was set up by fellow substitute Martin Zubimendi, whose precise pass into the box allowed Merino to control and fire home in front of the Croatia crowd.

The result confirms Spain's place in the Nations League quarter-finals with two group matches still to play.

In the other League A, Group 3 fixture, England beat Czechia 3-0 at Wembley Stadium. Vladimir Coufal's own goal opened the scoring before Harry Kane netted twice to complete a convincing win for Thomas Tuchel's side.

The victory leaves England needing just one point from their remaining two matches — away to Spain and at home to Croatia — to secure a quarter-final place.