England End Spain's 43-Game Unbeaten Streak with Dramatic Victory in Madrid

England secured a stunning victory over Spain in Madrid, holding on with 10 men to win one of the most dramatic UEFA Nations League encounters. Despite Spain parading their World Cup trophy before kickoff, England surged to a 3-0 lead within an hour before a red card in the 65th minute forced them to defend desperately to secure the top spot in Group A3 on goal difference.

The result marked a record 10th consecutive away win for the Three Lions and ended a 43-game unbeaten run for La Roja, who had not lost since a friendly against Colombia in London in March 2024. This historic streak had seen Spain crowned as both European and World Champions.

England dominated the early stages, with Unai Simon making a critical reaction save to deny Jude Bellingham. The visitors maintained high pressure throughout the first half, leaving Spain without a single shot on target before the break. England took the lead in the first half's final seconds when Harry Kane converted a penalty after Pau Cubarsi fouled him in the box, following a VAR review of a challenge by Elliot Anderson on Marc Cucurella.

The lead grew eight minutes into the second half when Ezri Konsa scored a powerful header from a Declan Rice corner. Shortly after, Ben White added a third goal, finishing a slick counterattack initiated by Bellingham.

The momentum shifted 25 minutes from time when Elliot Anderson received a straight red card for denying a goalscoring opportunity by fouling Lamine Yamal. Following a VAR confirmation, Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty to give Spain hope. The hosts continued their assault, and Nico Williams scored on the 75th minute after a cross from Yamal hit the post and went in.

In the closing stages, goalkeeper James Trafford, who had replaced Jordan Pickford, became the hero with a stunning double save in stoppage time, denying shots from Fermin Lopez and Aymeric Laporte. England finished first in the group on goal difference with both teams on 15 points. Both nations will learn their UEFA Nations League quarterfinal opponents in March, with England facing a runner-up and Spain facing another group winner.