England are today paying tribute to Kevin Keegan.
The Nations League match against Spain is the first game for the Three Lions since the national team’s former captain and manager sadly passed away on 20 July 2026.
Back in July The FA released an official statement which began: ‘We are saddened to learn about the passing of former England captain and manager Kevin Keegan, who has died at the age of 75. A popular figure in the English game, Keegan won 63 caps and scored 21 goals for the Three Lions as a player before he managed the team between February 1999 and October 2000.’
The statement going on to detail: ‘On the international front, Keegan had played for the men’s U23s initially in 1972 before he made his senior debut in November of that year when he played in a World Cup qualifying game with Wales. It was also against Wales that he scored his first goal too, albeit in May 1974. Keegan took over as England captain in 1976 and led his country in the UEFA European Championship Finals of 1980 in Italy and the FIFA World Cup 1982 in Spain, although his tournament appearances were limited as the Three Lions failed to reach both the 1974 and 1978 World Cups.’
That statement then later going on to add: ‘Keegan was appointed as manager of England in February 1999 following the departure of Glenn Hoddle. He picked up the qualifying campaign for the UEFA EURO 2000, with a 3-1 win over Poland in his first game. A two-legged play-off to reach the EURO Finals followed against Scotland, with England winning by 2-1 on aggregate to seal their place at the tournament in the Netherlands and Belgium the following summer. Unfortunately, despite a 1-0 victory over Germany in the group stage, two 3-2 defeats to Portugal and Romania meant England missed out on the knockout stages. After starting the new World Cup 2002 qualifying campaign, Keegan resigned from his role after a 1-0 defeat to Germany, in what was the final match at the old Wembley Stadium in October 2000.’
Photo by The Mag
FA CEO, Mark Bullingham saying back in July: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Kevin’s passing. He was a truly iconic figure within the English game and beyond. As a player and a manager, Kevin represented the Three Lions 91 times and was without doubt one of this country’s most recognisable footballing figures. He wore the England badge with pride, both on and off the pitch. Our deepest condolences are with Kevin’s family and friends, as well as with the clubs he represented both in England and overseas. We will pay a full tribute to his memory at England’s game against Spain later this year.”
The full details of how The FA are to honour Kevin Keegan tonight are yet to be unveiled.
However, they have published the cover of the official England v Spain match programme.
In memory of Kevin Keegan ❤️
Today’s official matchday programme ⤵️
— England (@England) September 26, 2026
Kevin Keegan, a true England great.