How Thomas Tuchel instilled winning England instinct to secure historic victory over Spain

Detailed summary

Three Lions issued huge statement with by beating world champions

When Thomas Tuchel and his England coaching staff come to reflect on England’s sensational victory in Spain, they will come to the conclusion it could scarcely have gone better.

Such a statement may feel bizarre given the visitors were at one stage 3-0 up with cruise control applied, before another Jarell Quansah error led to an Elliot Anderson red card, a penalty converted, and then a second goal back for a Spain team totally rejuvenated.

The reality, though, is that if England’s canter to a one-sided victory had continued as it was doing, Tuchel and his team would have far less to pore over as they unpick the headers and volleys at the end of this calendar year and the learning they can take from what still finished - by getting over the line 3-2 and topping the group - a hugely successful international break.

Tuchel had repeatedly described this affair as “a final” in the days leading up, but just as important as finishing top of the group and the potentially easier quarter-final opponent it could secure them in March was delivering a performance to provide encouragement that the Three Lions can indeed go toe-to-toe with the very best and avoid unforced errors in the process.

OK, there was one such mistake: Quansah, at fault for Croatia’s goal at Wembley on Thursday, dawdling on the ball and conceding possession cheaply. England’s magnificent earlier work threatened to unravel at that point as the dominoes of the resultant red card, goal and second strike fell.

But then came the memories of the cavalry this summer, their resolute World Cup closing-it-out jobs against Mexico and then Norway and then the ugly attempt to do it all over again at the semi-final against Argentina. Instinct kicked in.

James Trafford getting the nod ahead of Jordan Pickford in the Spanish capital was a bold call, as was Ben White starting at right-back and Lewis Hall on the left, but all three were superb, as the head coach’s big decisions were wholly vindicated.

Lamine Yamal posed England all…

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