England produced a masterclass despite red card to beat Spain 3-2 in the UEFA Nations League at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid to claim all three points.
Thomas Tuchel’s men scored three goals against the reigning world champions before surviving a late fightback to secure all three points.
The victory also ended the reigning World Champions remarkable 43-match unbeaten run, which had lasted 968 days.
The result confirmed the three Lions as winners of Nations League Group A3, finishing ahead of their opponent on goal difference.
Both countries had already secured qualification for the quarter-finals before the encounter commenced.
England started the game with great confidence and almost opened the scoring in the second minute.
Jude Bellingham saw his close-range effort brilliantly saved by Unai Simon, while Anthony Gordon also missed an opportunity after the rebound.
Harry Kane went close again in the seventh minute, sending his effort narrowly wide of the post.
Spain gradually settled into the contest, but England continued to press and make life difficult for the home side.
The visitors finally got their breakthrough in the 45th minute after Pau Cubarsi brought down Harry Kane inside the penalty area.
The referee pointed to the spot, and Bayern Munich’s Kane calmly sent his penalty into the net to give the three Lions a 1-0 lead before half-time.
The visitors continued their strong performance after the break and doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute.
Declan Rice delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, and Ezri Konsa found enough space to guide his header past Unai Simon.
The visitors made it 3-0 in the 58th minute through Ben White. Harry Kane played the ball towards Bellingham, who produced an excellent pass into White’s path.
The defender controlled the ball before calmly finishing past Simon. The away team appeared to have complete control of the match, but Spain were not ready to give up.
The game changed in the 63rd minute when Elliot Anderson received a straight red card for bringing down Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area.
The incident followed a defensive mistake that allowed Spain to break through England’s back line. Anderson’s challenge gave the hosts a penalty and left England with ten players.
Mikel Oyarzabal stepped forward and converted the spot-kick in the 65th minute, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
The host continued to attack, and Nico Williams brought more excitement into the contest when he scored in the 75th minute.
Lamine Yamal provided the assist with a dangerous low cross that Williams finished from close range.
The goal made it 3-2 and gave the home team renewed hope of completing a remarkable comeback as play carried on.
The host pushed forward in search of an equaliser after reducing the deficit, but the away side defended with determination despite having one player less.
James Trafford played an important role in protecting the advantage. He produced a remarkable double save in stoppage time to deny Fermín López and Lamine Yamal in quick succession.
Ben White also made a crucial defensive intervention in the 84th minute, producing an excellent tackle to stop Yamal from getting a clear opportunity to score.
The host continued to create chances, with Pedro Porro heading wide and Trafford making another save to deny Fermín.
However, England managed to hold on through the closing minutes and secured a famous 3-2 victory against World Champions Spain after 90 minutes.
The three Lions victory means they finish top of UEFA Nations League Group A3, ahead of the host for the match on goal difference.
Both teams had already qualified for the quarter-finals, but the result gives Thomas Tuchel’s side an important boost ahead of the knockout stage.
The defeat ends a remarkable 43-match unbeaten run for Spain and serves as a reminder that even the strongest teams can be beaten.
England will carry on for the remainder of the international window knowing they defeated a side that always gets the upper hand against them.
It was an important night for Thomas Tuchel and his players, who delivered one of their most impressive performances in the Nations League to claim all points.
