Spain 2-3 England: Thomas Tuchel’s ten men hold on for famous, group-topping victory

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Three Lions went three up in Madrid to lead Nations League group

England ended 2026 with an extraordinary 3-2 triumph in world champions Spain’s backyard as Thomas Tuchel’s 10 men dug deep to top their Nations League group on a magical night in Madrid.

An intense year that included a heartbreaking World Cup semi-final collapse to Argentina and wild bronze-medal win against France concluded with a chaotic victory against adversity akin to the unforgettable last-16 triumph in Mexico.

England roared into an unthinkable three-goal lead at the Metropolitano, where Harry Kane’s penalty gave the visitors a deserved half-time lead that they quickly added to as Ezri Konsa and Ben White silenced Spain.

But Elliot Anderson’s sending off in the 63rd minute for bringing down Lamine Yamal after Jarell Quansah was caught out put them on the backfoot against the World Cup winners.

Mikel Oyarzabal converted the resulting spot-kick and fellow Euro 2024 final goalscorer Nico Williams came off the bench to reduce the deficit as Tuchel’s team attempted to batten down the hatches.

England were made to sweat and James Trafford, given the nod in goal ahead of Jordan Pickford, produced some vital saves to help bring Spain’s 43-game unbeaten record to an end.

Wild celebrations greeted the final whistle, with the statement win seeing Tuchel’s side through to the Nations League quarter-finals as Group A3 winners.

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