Why is it not surprising that Spain rather than England was the first European nation to gain a foothold in the Americas?

Spain was driven by a combination of factors, including its early unification under Ferdinand and Isabella, the Reconquista's conclusion, and a strong motivation for exploration and conquest. The Spanish crown was eager to expand its empire and spread Christianity, leading to significant investment in exploration. Additionally, Spain's experience with navigating and colonizing the Caribbean, along with its access to advanced maritime technology, positioned it advantageously over England, which was slower to focus on overseas expansion during that period.