England stun Spain to end La Roja’s 43-game unbeaten run | Football News
England Defeats Spain 3-2 in Thrilling UEFA Nations League Clash
MADRID (AP) — England secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Spain, marking Spain’s first loss since March 2024. The match, held at the Estadio Metropolitano on November 15, 2026, saw England withstand intense pressure despite being reduced to 10 men in the latter stages of the game.
England took an early lead with a dominant performance, quickly going up 3-0 before having to fend off a late surge from Spain. This victory allowed England to claim the top spot in Group A3 on goal difference, extending their record to 10 consecutive away wins.
Spain celebrated their World Cup victory prior to kickoff; however, England stunned the hosts right from the start. An early chance for England nearly resulted in a goal, but Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon made an impressive save against Jude Bellingham’s close-range shot.
Throughout the first half, England controlled the play, applying high pressure and limiting Spain’s offensive opportunities. The hosts failed to register a shot on target in the first 45 minutes.
England opened the scoring just before halftime when Harry Kane converted a penalty, awarded after he was fouled by Pau Cubarsi following a pass from Elliot Anderson. Kane’s goal was his 93rd for the national team in his 127 appearances.
After the break, England doubled their lead within eight minutes. Declan Rice delivered a curling corner that was met by a powerful header from Ezri Konsa, who scored from close range.
Worsening Spain’s plight, England extended their lead to 3-0 when Jude Bellingham set up Ben White, who found the net with a low shot past Simon.
The match took a turn in the 65th minute when Elliot Anderson was shown a red card for a foul on Lamine Yamal, leaving England with ten players. Following the foul, a penalty was awarded to Spain, which Mikel Oyarzabal converted, offering a glimmer of hope for the hosts.
Spain did not relent, and in the 75th minute, substitute Nico Williams struck, sweeping in a cross from Yamal and hitting the post for a second goal.
In the closing moments, Spain applied relentless pressure but was thwarted by England’s goalkeeper James Trafford, who made crucial saves, including a stunning double stop in stoppage time.
Despite Spain’s efforts, England held on for the victory, both teams finishing with 15 points in Group A3. The quarterfinal opponents for both teams will be determined in a draw set for March. England will face one of the three A-Group runners-up, while Spain will compete against one of the other group winners.
