Sterling seals win for England
A FIRST: SPAIN CONCEDES THREE GOALS ON HOME SOIL
This is the most impressive victory since beating Germany 5-1.
Raheem Sterling scored twice as England delivered one of their finest victories of the modern era by beating Spain 3-2 in Seville last night. Away from home, and against a Spanish side in scintillating form under their new coach Luis Enrique, this was certainly England’s best win under Gareth Southgate and, perhaps, their most impressive since thrashing Germany 5-1 in Munich in 2001.
Marcus Rashford was the other scorer in a breathless opening 45 minutes, which witnessed Spain conceding three on home soil for the first time in their history.
Paco Alcacer, on as a substitute, headed in before the hour to spark hopes of a comeback but England were home and dry by the time Sergio Ramos scored in the 98th minute, with the last action of the match.
It means England keep alive their hopes of finishing top of Group 4 in the Uefa Nations League, the position Spain had needed only a point to all-but guarantee would be theirs.
It was a night for streaks ending and records tumbling. Sterling’s opening goal was his first in 1102 days for England, even more remarkable given he added his second 22 minutes later.
The last time England won away against Spain was 1987.
With an average age of just over 23, this was also the youngest England starting line-up in the 21st century and that will be the most exciting aspect for Southgate.
Eric Dier set the tone early on. He left Sergio Busquets, sluggish throughout, hopping out of his first pass and then slid through Ramos, who was also out of sorts.
Marcos Alonso then deflected onto the bar deep into injury time and Ramos headed home in the 98th minute. –