England snapped world champion Spain’s 44-game 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 La Roja since March 2023.
England coach Thomas Tuchel opted for James Trafford in goal over Jordan Pickford for the match at the Metropolitano stadium.
Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi conceded a penalty after fouling Kane in the area just before the halftime whistle.
The Bayern Munich forward successfully converted the spot-kick past goalkeeper Unai Simon to give the visitors an advantage.
Konsa extended the lead in the 53rd minute by heading home a corner kick delivered by Declan Rice, who found the defender unmarked.
Just four minutes later, Kane and Jude Bellingham combined to set up White for England’s third goal of the evening.
The momentum shifted when England’s Elliot Anderson was sent off following a foul on Lamine Yamal inside the penalty area.
Mikel Oyarzabal converted the resulting penalty to put Spain on the scoreboard, as noted by reporting from Yahoo Sports.
Spain narrowed the deficit further when Nico Williams scored after Yamal fed him the ball, with the shot hitting the post before entering the net.
Despite intense pressure from the Spanish side, including late attempts from Marc Cucurella, England held on to secure the result.
Both teams had already qualified for the quarter-finals, but England’s victory ensures they will be seeded for the March fixtures.
Luis de la Fuente’s side attempted to rally with a triple substitution at halftime, but the comeback ultimately fell short.
The match marked a significant tactical test for both managers as they prepare for the upcoming international knockout stages.
England’s defensive adjustments and clinical finishing proved decisive in ending the lengthy unbeaten streak of the world champions.