Spain 2-3 England: England beat Spain in Nations League clash

Raheem Sterling scored twice and Marcus Rashford another as England produced a stunning first-half display that saw the Three Lions’ lightning-quick attack tear overly-casual Spain to pieces in Seville.

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Those whistles turned to jeers after 12 minutes, when Eric Dier was booked for a full-blooded challenge on Sergio Ramos – despite the Spurs midfielder clearly winning the ball.

But four minutes later, the travelling Three Lions support erupted, as Sterling bludgeoned a clinical finish into the roof of the net, having been found through on goal by Rashford.

The Manchester City forward’s unerring finish past David de Gea was only his third international goal in 46 caps, and his first goal for his country in 1102 days; “We’re gonna win the league” sang the visiting faithful.

If it was somewhat tongue-in-cheek then, it certainly wasn’t come the 38rd minute, when England were three goals to the good.

After 29 minutes, Harry Kane held off two defenders before finding Rashford with superb through pass, and the striker, who scored against Spain at Wembley last month, found the back of the net.

And nine minutes later, another wonderful pass and off the ball run, this time from Ross Barkley, finding Kane, allowed the Spurs hitman to square and Sterling to fire home once more.

Too casual, Spain were stunned. England were rambunctious and on a rampage.

Spain came back strong in the second period and Paco Alcacer scored a fine header in the 58th minute, having entered the fray just 60 seconds previous.

And that led to a few edgy moments for the young Lions, most notably Jordan Pickford, who should have given away a penalty for tugging back Rodrigo having been mugged by the striker after taking too many touches.

After that, the young England side largely kept Spain at arm’s length, until Sergio Ramos turned home with a powerful header in the 97th minute.

That made it 3-2 but was the final act of a pulsating encounter, as England became the first side to defeat Spain in their own back yard since 2003.