England secured a historic victory over Spain in the Nations League to secure top spot in their group ahead of their quarter-final matchup next year.

Thomas Tuchel’s side raced out the blocks to cause the world champions trouble early on, but Unai Simon ensured Spain held firm and weathered the early storm.

England did get their reward, though, just before half-time when Harry Kane won and scored a penalty to give his side a deserved lead.

After the break, they went up a gear, with Arsenal defenders Ezri Konsa and Ben White netting to leave England in dreamland.

That was until Elliot Anderson was sent off – conceding a penalty against Lamine Yamal in the process – and Spain were back in it through Mikel Oyarzabal. Nico Williams then ensured it would be a nervy last 15 minutes for England, but they held on and secured the 3-2 victory.

Daily Mail Sport’s CRAIG HOPE was in Madrid to rate the Three Lions players. 

England secured a thrilling 3-2 win over Spain on Sunday to top their Nations League group

James Trafford produced a fantastic double save in stoppage time to keep his side in front

ENGLAND (4-2-3-1)

James Trafford – 8

His big test and was hardly tested first-half. That changed when down to 10 and produced three big saves, including a stunner in stoppage-time.

Ben White – 8

Solid if unspectacular… at least until spectacular, overlapping goal for England’s third. Shades of Carlos Alberto. Warrants a stay in side.

Jarell Quansah – 5

Looked composed until needless dawdling on ball that cost his team a penalty, a goal and a man. Spoilt decent display.

Ezri Konsa – 9

Furthered claims as first-choice centre back. Was commanding, organised well and headed brilliant second goal. Player of the match.

Lewis Hall – 8

Surely England’s No1 left back now. Two early dribbles were Yamal-esque. A tougher second-half and was out of position for Spain’s second.

Elliot Anderson – 6

Superb ball to free Kane for penalty and was his usual commanding self, until desperate tug on Yamal at expense of penalty and red card.

Elliot Anderson was sent off after bringing down Lamine Yamal in the penalty box at 3-0

Declan Rice – 7

Best work was in own half for most part but set-piece deliveries were teasing and accurate, including corner for Konsa goal. A strong showing.

Morgan Rogers – 6

Quieter than star-man display on Thursday but his work was diligent on right and included some classy touches.

Jude Bellingham – 8

Drove England forward second-half and was key to energy and adventure. Won corner for second and assisted third.

Anthony Gordon – 7

More energy and purpose than Croatia, even if killer ball was still missing. An honest shift and played his part.

Harry Kane – 7

Showed cunning and class to win and convert first-half penalty. Sacrificed at 2-3 after another masterclass in centre forward play.

Substitutes

Myles Lewis-Skelly (on for Kane) – 6

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (on for Gordon 83) – 6

Djed Spence (on for Bellingham 83) – 6

Dan Burn (on for White 90) – 6

Manager

Thomas Tuchel – 8

At 1-0 up against a top nation (remember Argentina) he kept his side on the front foot and was rewarded, until they went down to 10 men. A big night for the head coach.

Thomas Tuchel kept his side on the front foot when ahead against a top nation and was rewarded until the red card

SPAIN (4-3-3)

Unai Simon 5; Pubill 5 (Porro 20, 5), Cubarsi 4 (Huijsen 46, 6), Laporte 5, Cucurella 5; Merino 4 (Lopez 46, 6), Zubimendi 5 (Williams 72, 7), Fabian Ruiz 5 (Pedri 46, 6); Lamine Yamal 7, Oyarzabal 6, Baena 5

Manager

Luis de la Fuente – 5

Referee

C Turpin (France) – 7