England’s impressive 3-2 win over Spain in Seville had its fair share of landmarks. The defeat was the first of Luis Enrique’s reign as boss, and it was also Spain’s first home loss since 2003. Raheem Sterling, who had a brace, scored his first international goal in 1,102 days, and England’s first goal in Spain since 1987. Harry Kane, who was signaled out for praise before the match by Sergio Ramos, had his first-ever two-assist match for the Three Lions.
Despite Spain starting the UEFA Nations League Group 4 match the stronger — La Furia Roja were unfortunate not to take the lead as early as the fourth minute — England put on an absolute clinic between minutes 16 and 38, perhaps triggered by Eric Dier’s crunching tackle on Ramos.
Amarilla para Dier (ENG) por jugada peligros@SeFutbol 0-0 @England
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) October 15, 2018
In the 16th minute, Kane fed Rashford out wide, and the Manchester United attacker threaded through Sterling. The City forward made no mistake with his emphatic finish.
¡¡GOOOOLAAAAAZOOOOO!! Con un contragolpe mortal, Sterling lanza un riflazo al Angulo que dejó frio a De Gea@SeFutbol 0-1 @England
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) October 15, 2018
13 minutes later, England found its second. Kane provided an excellent feed and Rashford now turned scorer.
¡Rashford con el segundo en la cara de los españoles! GOOOOOOOOL@SeFutbol 0-2 @England
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) October 15, 2018
Not even 10 minutes later, the Benito Villamarín stadium (home of Real Betis) was left stunned when Ross Barkley picked out Kane’s run and the Tottenham striker played a square ball for Sterling to finish.
¡GOOOOOOOOL! Esto ya es goleado, Sterling marca el tercero para los británicos.@SeFutbol 0-3 @England
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) October 15, 2018
Spain had dominated possession, holding 72.4 percent, out-passed England 354-120 and put four shots on target as compared to three in the first half, but the Three Lions play on the counter and in the attacking third was scintillating.
Much to the delight of neutrals everywhere, the first goal of the second half belonged to Spain. In the 58th minute, Marco Asensio’s corner found Paco Alcacer and the Borussia Dortmund striker planted a powerful header beyond Jordan Pickford.
¡Tenía que ser Paco! Primera pelota que toca y Gol de cabeza para España.@SeFutbol 1-3 @England
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) October 15, 2018
Spain then probably should’ve had a penalty in the 64th minute after a massive error from Pickford, but the referee waved away Spain’s appeals for a foul by the keeper.
Enrique brought on Alvaro Morata in the 73rd minute in search of Spain’s second, but it didn't arrive until the seventh minute of second half stoppage time. Ramos scored with a header, but the referee immediately whistled for full time.
¡Goooooollll de Ramos, pero es demasiado tarde!@SeFutbol 2-3 @England
— Univision Deportes (@UnivisionSports) October 15, 2018
Spain still sits top of Nations League Group 4 with six points after three matches. England is in second with four points from three games while Croatia faces the prospect of relegation to League B with one point in two games.
Croatia will play Spain on Nov. 15 in Zagreb before group plays ends with a match between England and Croatia at Wembley on Nov. 18.