- Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling scored twice in the first half
- Marcus Rashford was also on the scoresheet
- Francisco Alcacer and Sergio Ramos replied for Spain during the explosive match
England's Three Lions produced an outstanding display to beat Spain 3-2 after a fantastic first 45 minutes on Monday, October 15 in their UEFA Nations League group game.
The encounter at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, Sevilla saw Manchester City forward, Raheem Sterling net twice to put the Gareth Southgate's side on course for a hardfought victory.
Sterling's sublime opener in the 16th minute of the match was his first in an England shirt after three year run without a goal.
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However, few minutes after the opener Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, made it 2-0 on the half hour mark.
The goal came off a lovely move from the Three Lions, which found Sterling free on the box to convert from six yards.
At the comencement of the second half, Spain made a double change with the pair of Paco Alcacer and Dani Ceballos replacing Aspas and Saul.
And it turned out to be a beautiful decision as they gave a better performance with Francisco Alcacer netting on the 59th minute to stage a comeback.
It was a very poor defending from Three Lions as a completely unmarked Alcacer, at the back post, guided a flicking header into the far corner for his goal.
On the 63 minute, they was a penalty appeal by Spain after England's Jordan Pickford tried to be too clever on the ball but he was caught off guard by Rodrigo, tugging him back in the area before sliding ithe ball for a corner kick.
Indeed, England were lucky to get away even with protest by La Roja's players, could not change the referee's decision.
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From then on it became an intense battle but Spain could not complete their comback, even with a Sergio Ramos headed goal in the added time, England held on to claim a percious 3-2 win.
Speaking ahead of the game, England's coach Southgate was upbeat that Sterling and the Three Lions will hold their own during the contest.
"I don’t think his confidence is low but I think there are times when you can think a little bit too much about what you’re doing in certain moments.
"It’s about having the freedom just to hit things. But this is one of the big challenges of international football. You know with your club – well, with his club – you will get another five chances in the next 10 or 15 minutes.
"You get fewer chances with us and sporadic games so you don’t get another go in the next week. This is part of dealing with international football and that is his next challenge. But I have to say that every challenge that has been put in front of him throughout his career – new players coming in, for example, over the last couple of years [at City] – he has risen to. He’s been tough enough to deal with those challenges and I expect him to come through this, too," Southgate submitted.
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously had reported that Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has tipped Manchester City and Juventus as favourites to win this season's UEFA Champions League title.
The Blues are campaigning in the Europa League this term after failing to finish among top four teams in the Premier League last season.
His side remain unbeaten in all competitions so far this season but are second on the EPL table with same points as league leaders, Man City.
The Mirror however report that the Italian born tactician claims both teams that won their various league titles have the chance to end up clinching the title at the end of the day.
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Source: Naija.ng
