England record memorable victory over Spain after Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling strike
Your support helps us to tell the story
My recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.
Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.
Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyond
Eric Garcia
Washington Bureau Chief
England ran riot by scoring three first-half goals to stun Spain and earn a 3-2 away win in the Nations League on Monday as they moved back into contention in League A Group 4 with their first victory on Spanish soil for 31 years.
Raheem Sterling gave England the lead against the run of play in the 16th minute by finishing off a swift counter-attack and Marcus Rashford fired into the top corner for the second on the half-hour after a superb pass from captain Harry Kane.
Sterling, who had not got an England goal for three years, struck again from another Kane assist to give Gareth Southgate's side a big halftime lead against Spain, who had scored 12 goals in their last three games and beat England 2-1 last month.
Spain hit back with a header by substitute Paco Alcacer just before the hour and were almost gifted another goal after an error from Jordan Pickford although the keeper managed to tackle Rodrigo Moreno, sparking fierce penalty appeals from the hosts.
Captain Sergio Ramos got a second for Spain with a diving header in the eighth minute of added time with the last action of the match, leaving his side tasting their first defeat over 90 minutes since they were beaten 2-0 by Italy in Euro 2016.
What time does it start?
Spain vs England kicks off at 7:45pm (BST)
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports’ Main Event channel from 7pm. Highlights will be shown on the Sky Sports Football channel at midnight.
It’s a big game for…
Jordan Henderson – The latest crisis to form a cloud over the England football team concerns the lack of a quality passers, and with opposite numbers such as Isco and Saul so fluid on the ball that criticism has only intensified. However, while the likes of James Maddison have been called up to attempt to address that problem, it will be up to the more experienced heads, such as Liverpool’s Henderson, to guide the younger stars as England look to rebuild their midfield.
Remember when…
England’s last visit to Spain will not serve as any inspiration to Gareth Southgate, but nonetheless it took two special strikes from current Villarreal players to defeat the Three Lions. Mario Gaspar acrobatically diverted a lofted Sergio Busquets pass into the top corner, before Santi Cazorla, an Arsenal player at the time, deceived Joe Hart to beat him at his near post and secure victory in Alicante. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63Qkr3Sz8qk
Player to watch…
Paco Alcacer – The Spaniard ended his Barcelona exile by joining Borussia Dortmund on loan in the summer and the forward has not looked back since. His double against Wales took his tally to nine goals in five games in all competitions, and therefore England’s defence will have to be aware of the former Valencia forward.
Past three-meetings…
England 1 (Rashford) Spain 2 (Saul, Rodrigo), UEFA Nations League, September 2018
England 2 (Lallana pen, Vardy) Spain 2 (Aspas, Isco), International Friendly, November 2016
Spain 2 (Gaspar, Cazorla) England 0, International Friendly, November 2015
Form guide…
Spain: WDLWWW
England: WWLLLW
Odds…
Spain to win: 4/5
England to win: 17/5
Draw: 5/2
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
1-3, 83 minutes
That is a more bothersome strike from Marcos Asensio, cutting in onto his left foot for really the first time tonight.
Pickford is beaten on this occasion but the curl of the ball means it hops beyond the post on the bounce.
1-3, 84 minutes
An intriguing second change from Gareth Southgate: a swap at right-wing back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold entering the game in place of Kieran Trippier.
Trippier looks shattered. A solid and hard-working night from him.
1-3, 86 minutes
Balls flying across the England box as if the full-backs are playing ping-pong.
Dani Ceballos' stab goalwards hits his own man.
Marcus Rashford surges away and Nacho slides in to prevent him making further headway. Dani Ceballos is booked for trying unsuccessfully to slice Rashford down as he looked to break.
1-3, 88 minutes
Nathaniel Chalobah will be England's final change.
England appear to have the win sewn up as time runs out for Spain, and the travelling support are once again belting out the national anthem.
1-3, 90 minutes
Harry Winks will be replaced by Nathaniel Chalobah, who makes his England debut. A proud moment for the Watford midfielder who has come right the way through the youth setups.
No word on added time just yet, but we are into however long has been added to the game.
1-3, 90 + 2 minutes
Spain hoist a corner into the area but it comes off a back and out for a goal kick.
England all but there.
1-3, 90 + 3 minutes
Seven (!) additional minutes.
Spain look to have given up the ghost a little. Kyle Walker leaps well to beat Alvaro Morata in the air.
1-3, 90 + 4 minutes
Paco Alcacer beats Walker this time but heads over the bar.
Luis Enrique cuts a solemn figure as he heads towards a first loss as Spain manager.
1-3, 90 + 5 minutes
Better interplay now from Spain and a deflected ball needs to be claimed by Jordan Pickford.
The Everton goalkeeper nearly carries the ball backwards over the line but there is no such late drama.
1-3, 90 + 6 minutes
Harry Maguire is salmon-like to twice head away balls into the box.
He is beaten on the third occasion but the ball rebounds off the crossbar!
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments