England end Spain’s long unbeaten run to top Nations League group

England ended Spain’s 43-game unbeaten run with a remarkable 3-2 Nations League victory in Madrid despite finishing the game with ten men.

Harry Kane, Ezri Konsa and Ben White put Thomas Tuchel’s side three goals ahead before Elliot Anderson was sent off, sparking a late Spanish comeback through Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams.

The win ensured England finished top of their Nations League group, having already secured their place in the quarter-finals before kick-off.

England were rewarded for an impressive first-half performance when Kane won and converted a penalty after being brought down by Pau Cubarsí, sending Unai Simón the wrong way to give the visitors the lead shortly before half-time.

Tuchel’s side continued to cause Spain problems after the break and quickly doubled their advantage.

Declan Rice delivered a corner into the penalty area and Konsa rose highest to head home on his return to the starting line-up.

England then stunned the hosts further when White made it 3-0, finishing calmly after being found by Jude Bellingham.

But the game changed when Anderson was shown a red card for bringing down Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area after Jarrell Quansah had poorly given the ball away.

Oyarzabal converted the resulting spot-kick before Spain substitute Williams reduced the deficit further from Yamal’s cross, setting up a tense finish.

England were forced to defend deep as Spain piled on the pressure against the ten men.

James Trafford, starting in place of Jordan Pickford, produced a crucial late double save to preserve England’s advantage.

The Three Lions eventually held on to claim one of the biggest victories of Tuchel’s reign and become the first team to defeat the world and European champions in 43 matches.