England stun Spain in Madrid thriller to end world champions’ unbeaten streak
In a night of high drama at the Metropolitano, a resilient England side delivered a statement victory, overcoming world champions Spain 3-2 to clinch the top spot in their Nations League group. The result marks a seismic moment in international football, ending Spain’s formidable 43-game unbeaten streak—a run stretching back to March 2024.
Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, England produced a breathtaking hour of football, leaving the Spanish giants reeling. The scoring opened just before halftime when captain and Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane was brought down by Pau Cubarsi in the penalty area. Kane stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick, silencing the home crowd.
England emerged from the interval with increased intensity, doubling their lead in the 53rd minute when Ezri Konsa rose unmarked to head home a pinpoint Declan Rice corner. Five minutes later, the visitors were in dreamland as Ben White fired a low drive through the legs of Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon, extending the lead to 3-0.
However, the tide turned in the 63rd minute. Elliot Anderson, penalized for a tactical foul on Lamine Yamal, was shown a red card, handing Spain both a numerical advantage and a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal converted from the spot, and when Nico Williams—fresh off the bench—found the net with 15 minutes remaining, the momentum shifted entirely toward the hosts.
Spain poured forward in search of an equalizer, reviving painful memories for England fans of previous collapses. Yet, the Three Lions displayed a newfound grit. The hero of the closing stages was debutant goalkeeper James Trafford, who, having been selected ahead of Jordan Pickford, produced a sensational double-save to deny a desperate Spanish onslaught in the dying minutes.
The final whistle triggered wild celebrations among the England contingent. The victory ensures Tuchel’s men advance to the Nations League quarter-finals as Group A3 winners.
Speaking to ITV Sport, Tuchel praised his side’s character. “We were the better team. We put out a fantastic performance from start to finish,” he said. While frustrated by the “double punishment” of the red card and penalty, the England manager chose to focus on the positives: “It was a long, long 30 minutes, but there were so many positive things. It was well-deserved.”
Declan Rice echoed the sentiment, revealing that the belief within the squad had been high since their victory over Croatia earlier in the week. “We knew we were going to beat them,” Rice said. “That resilience, that defending—doing anything for this badge—it’s a massive win.”
For Spain, the defeat is a jarring reality check, but for England, it is a testament to the tactical discipline and mental fortitude now entrenched under Tuchel’s command.
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