England went to Spain with many not expecting a good result. However, the Three Lions produced a display, especially in the first half, that could go down in English football folklore. Raheem Sterling scored two and was the standout performer in an outstanding performance. The 2-3 final score was maybe not expected but was certainly welcomed and shows what this England side can do when on form. The win gives them the chance of topping their Nations League group.
Sterling the Star in Seville
Changes for Both Teams
Gareth Southgate made three changes to the side that drew in Croatia. In came Kieran Trippier, Joe Gomez and Harry Winks, replacing Kyle Walker, John Stones and Jordan Henderson. Spain made eight changes from the team that easily beat Wales 4-1
Spain went into this game having not lost at home since 2003 and 1987 was the last time England won in Spain. Therefore, a Spanish victory or a draw was the most likely results. Step forward Sterling and co.
First-Half
England took a little time to settle with the home side looking the more comfortable; however, Spain were leaving gaps and looked vulnerable. On 16 minutes England took the lead. Marcus Rashford played a perfect ball through to Raheem Sterling. The Manchester City star took one touch and fired an unstoppable shot past David De Gea into the top corner. It was Sterling’s first England goal for three years.
On thirty minutes, England surprisingly found themselves two goals ahead. Harry Kane played in Marcus Rashford who calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner.
Sterling Makes it Three!
England continued to cause Spain problems and they scored a deserved third before the break. Ross Barkley chipped the ball into the box for Harry Kane who passed into the middle for Stirling to get his second goal of the game.
Spain had plenty of possession during the half but defensively they looked vulnerable and England made them pay with three excellent goals.
Second-Half
As expected Spain came out for the second half looking to get back into the game as soon as possible. However, England were still causing the Spanish defence concern.
Spain Hit Back
On 58 minutes, Jordan Pickford conceded a poor corner and from the resulting set piece, a free header from Paco Alcacer pulled a goal back for the home side.
Spain were now on the front foot and a mistake from Pickford almost gifted the hosts a second goal. Rodrigo won the ball from the England keeper in the box but the Everton man recovered just enough to get the ball clear for a corner. Spain were now piling forward but gaps were still available for England to exploit if they could weather the Spanish storm.
As the game wore on, it became more comfortable from an England point of view as Spain began to run out of ideas. Several long-range shots by the home side didn’t threaten as Pickford looked more comfortable after his earlier mistake.
England Concede a Second
Spain were the better in the second half and did score a second deep into added time; however, the damage was done by the visitors during an excellent first-half display. England scored three excellent goals with Sterling scoring two goals, which could give him a huge confidence boost going forward in his England career.
Main Photo
