England withstood an onslaught against Spain after Elliot Anderson’s red card to secure a famous 3-2 win and finish above the world champions at the top of their Nations League group.
Thomas Tuchel’s side were sensational for an hour in Madrid, taking the lead when Harry Kane scored a late first-half penalty before adding quick-fire goals from Ezri Konsa and Ben White.
But a one-sided game was turned on its head when Elliot Anderson was sent off for a last-man foul on Lamine Yamal following Jarell Quansah’s foul, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to score from the spot.
Spain reduced the deficit to a goal when substitute Nico Williams converted Lamine Yamal’s cross after Anthony Gordon had been stripped, but England stayed up thanks to James Trafford.
The keeper, selected ahead of Jordan Pickford, made a series of saves as Spain scored England’s goal, including a stunning double stop when he denied Fermin Lopez and then somehow pushed Oyarzabal’s pursuit around the post at full stretch.
His heroics, in addition to a vital last-man challenge from White on Williams, allowed the Three Lions to end Spain’s 43-match unbeaten run with a historic victory that ensures they progress to the Nations League quarter-final draw.
Harry Kane was fouled by Pau Cubarsi for England’s penalty
Kane converted the penalty for his 93rd England goal
It looked certain to be a more emphatic victory when White scored the third goal through the legs of Unai Simon after Konsa had headed in Declan Rice’s corner for the second. Spain hadn’t even registered a shot on goal at that point.
But Anderson’s red card, after Quansah was tackled by Lamine Yamal, revived Luis de la Fuente’s side and saw England show different qualities, defending their box bravely and holding firm thanks to their goalkeeper.
Rice: We knew we were going to beat them
England midfielder Declan Rice THE ITV:
“We knew we could beat them.
“The message from the manager after the Croatia game was very positive. The message from the boys, all pushing together, knowing we’re going to come here and not sit back and hit them on the counter.
“We knew in the first minute – our first 10 minutes were probably the best we’ve played in a 10-minute period. Pressure, pressure, pressure, we could have had two or three.
“The red card changes the course of the game as it could have been a few more goals if I’m honest.”
What’s next for England?
England find out who they will face in the quarter-finals of the Nations League when the draw is made on Friday 20 November at 11am.
The two-legged ties are scheduled for the March international break, with the first legs to be played between March 25 and 27 and the return legs between March 28 and 30.