Spain 2-3 England: Three Lions hold on for famous win after Elliot Anderson red card to top Nations League Group A3
Match report as England secure a stunning 3-2 win over Spain to end the world champions' 43-game unbeaten run and finish top of Nations League Group A3; Three Lions raced into a three-goal lead then clung on after Elliot Anderson's red card
Sunday 15 November 2026 22:01, UK
England withstood a Spain fightback after Elliot Anderson's red card to secure a famous 3-2 victory and finish above the world champions at the top of their Nations League group.
Thomas Tuchel's side were sensational for an hour in Madrid, taking the lead when Harry Kane scored a penalty at the end of the first half and then adding quickfire goals from Ezri Konsa and Ben White.
But a one-sided game was turned on its head when Elliot Anderson was sent off for a last-man foul on Lamine Yamal following Jarell Quansah's error, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to score from the spot.
Spain reduced the deficit to one goal when substitute Nico Williams converted Lamine Yamal's cross after Anthony Gordon had been dispossessed, but England clung on thanks to James Trafford.
The goalkeeper, selected ahead of Jordan Pickford, made a string of saves as Spain peppered the England goal, including a stunning double stop when he denied Fermin Lopez then somehow pushed Oyarzabal's follow-up around the post at full stretch.
His heroics, in addition to a vital last-man challenge by White on Williams, allowed the Three Lions to end Spain's 43-game unbeaten run with a historic victory which ensures they will be seeded in the Nations League quarter-final draw.
It appeared certain to be a more emphatic victory when White drilled the third goal through the legs of Unai Simon after Konsa had headed in Declan Rice's corner for the second. Spain had not even registered a shot on target at that point.
But Anderson's red card, after Quansah was caught on the ball by Lamine Yamal, reinvigorated Luis de la Fuente's side and meant England had to show different qualities, defending their box valiantly and holding firm thanks to their goalkeeper.
More to follow.
What's next for England?
England find out who they will face in the Nations League quarter-finals when the draw takes place on Friday November 20 at 11am.
The two-legged ties are scheduled for the March international break, with the first legs to be played between March 25 and 27 and the second legs between March 28 and 30.
