England end Spain’s 43-match unbeaten run with Nations League victory

England ended Spain’s 43-match unbeaten run by winning 3-2 in the sixth and final round of the Nations League group stage.

Harry Kane, Ezri Konsa and Ben White scored for England, while Mikel Oyarzabal and Nico Williams replied for Spain.

The result saw England finish top of Group C with 15 points, level with Spain but ahead on goal difference in their head-to-head record. Both teams qualified for the next round of the Nations League.

Spain restored Lamine Yamal to their starting line-up after he missed their previous match against Czech Republic because of injury. Kane led the England attack in the first match under German manager Thomas Tuchel.

Before kick-off at the Wanda Metropolitano, Fernando Torres, Iker Casillas and Fernando Llorente carried the World Cup trophy on to the pitch.

Players from both teams then observed a minute’s silence for Jesus de Miguel, the Tenerife striker who died in recent days. Spain’s players also wore shirts bearing the names of the Spanish clubs for which he had played.

England started quickly, with Kane missing an early opportunity to open the scoring. The England captain went close again in the seventh minute when his powerful effort went narrowly wide.

Spain threatened through Yamal, who went past England full-back Lewis Hall before shooting from the edge of the penalty area in the 37th minute. His effort also missed the target.

England were awarded a penalty in the 45th minute after a foul by Spain defender Pau Cubarsi. Kane converted from the spot to give the visitors the lead at half-time.

Konsa doubled England’s advantage in the 57th minute, heading in from a cross by his Arsenal team-mate Declan Rice.

England added a third just a minute later. White ran through on goal before finishing past the Spain goalkeeper.

Yamal won Spain a penalty in the 65th minute after being fouled in the area by Elliot Anderson, who was shown a red card. Oyarzabal converted the spot-kick to reduce the deficit.

Spain continued to press, and Yamal set up Williams with a pass several minutes after his involvement in the penalty, allowing the forward to score Spain’s second goal.

Yamal almost completed Spain’s comeback in the 90th minute, but England’s goalkeeper made a save to deny him.

England held on to secure victory in Madrid, bringing Spain’s long unbeaten sequence to an end while both sides progressed to the next stage of the competition.