England snapped Spain’s record unbeaten run with a 3-2 victory in Madrid on Sunday to clinch the top spot in Nations League group A3, according to Yahoo Sports.
Goals from Harry Kane, Ezri Konsa and Ben White inflicted the first loss in a competitive game for the world champions since March 2023.
The defeat concluded a streak of 44 matches without a loss for the Spanish side.
England coach Thomas Tuchel praised his squad for their resilience and tactical execution in the Spanish capital.
“We brought everything to the table,” Tuchel told ITV.
“We were brave,” he added regarding the performance.
The visitors took the lead just before halftime when Kane converted a penalty kick after being fouled by Pau Cubarsi.
England extended the lead after the break with goals from Konsa and White.
Spain attempted a late comeback as Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams found the back of the net.
The hosts were unable to find an equalizer despite late pressure on the English goal.
England midfielder Elliot Anderson was sent off in the second half, forcing his team to finish the match with ten players.
Despite the late surge from Spain, England secured the top spot in the group and will be seeded for the quarter-finals in March.
England midfielder Declan Rice highlighted the team’s strong start to the match.
“The first 10 minutes was the best we’ve played,” Rice told ITV.
The match featured a return for teenage star Lamine Yamal, who started for Spain at the Metropolitano stadium.
Goalkeeper James Trafford made several key saves to deny the Spanish attack late in the game.
Oyarzabal acknowledged the intensity of the match while speaking to the media after the final whistle.
“The team never stopped pushing, never stopped trying,” Oyarzabal told TVE.
Both nations had already secured their progression to the next stage of the tournament prior to the kickoff.