Raheem Sterling ends goal drought as England stun Spain

England’s youngest starting XI since 1959 inflicted a first home defeat on Spain since 2003 (38 games unbeaten), picking up their first win in the country since 1987 in the process.

On a night where records tumbled, Raheem Sterling ended his 1102-day wait for an England goal, and went on to score a second after Marcus Rashford banished his own demons following a disappointing night in Croatia on Friday.

With Spain trailing 3-0 at half-time for the first time ever in a competitive fixture, an enthralling encounter then saw England up against it in the second half.

Paco Alcacer kept his incredible scoring record up with a fine header moments after coming off the bench, but it was to be England’s night, even if Sergio Ramos did have the final say with a header in the 97th minute.

England are now just two points behind Luis Enrique’s men in Group A4, with Croatia three points further back with a game in hand.

Not quite your typical tale of two halves, but nevertheless the second half was every bit about England’s defence as the first was about their attack.

The opening 45 minutes quite simply sent English Twitter into a frenzy. Their best 45 minutes ever? Their best since their 5-1 win against Germany in 2001? Never mind the comparisons, it was purely a textbook lesson on how to be clinical on the counter. Three shots on target, three goals, Spain stunned.

The second 45 minutes then saw Spain pile the pressure on having walked off to whistles at half-time, but England stood firm, conceding two headers, but ultimately preventing the hosts from playing with a comfort they have become used to at home.

Southgate will look to this performance as he looks to mould this young England side going forward. The system paid off this evening, and has given him reason to keep faith with the formation in future matches.

Raheem Sterling - After two goals in 45 internationals, Sterling scored twice in the opening 45 minutes. He may have been a peripheral figure for the second half, but England’s attacks were much less frequent. However, in their first half to remember, the Manchester City forward silenced the critics with a strike which had many reminiscing about Michael Owen’s goal against Argentina in 1998, while his second rounded off a fine team move. Honourable mention to Harry Kane for two quality assists and unselfish play throughout…

Joe Gomez – As already mentioned, the second half was a different tale to the first, but England still impressed and passed the test. Liverpool’s Gomez was particularly rock solid, on hand to make vital interceptions and headers when his team needed him most.

Spain: De Gea 5, Jonny 6, Ramos 5, Nacho 5, Marcos Alonso 6, Thiago 5, Busquets 6, Saul 6, Aspas 6, Asensio 5, Rodrigo 6. Subs: Alcacer 7, Ceballos 6, Morata

England: Pickford 7, Trippier 7, Maguire 8, Gomez 8, Chilwell 7, Dier 8, Winks 7, Barkley 7, Sterling 8, Rashford 8, Kane 8. Subs: Walker 6, Alexander-Arnold N/A, Chalobah N/A

16’ - GOAL! What a goal from Sterling! His first ever away goal for England, his first England goal in more than THREE YEARS, and what a strike it is. He receives the ball from Rashford, takes just the one touch before firing it into the opposing top corner. Spain opened up defensively, but that is some strike.

30’ - GOAL! Rashford puts England 2-0 up! The Spanish defence are opened up again. Kane threads it through for Rashford and like Sterling, he takes a touch before poking it past club team-mate De Gea. Sterling, Rashford, that is some way to silence the critics.

38’ - GOAL! What is going on! England are in dreamland and it's another quality team move. Barkley dinks it over for Kane, who at the byline plays it first time across the six-yard box for Sterling, who taps in for their third of the night. Spain stunned.

52’ - CLOSE! The net ripples, the Spanish fans celebrate, but then it's the England fans cheering as it turns out Asensio's shot deflects off Gomez and hits the side netting.

58’ - GOAL! Spain get one back! Alcacer makes an immediate impact, meeting a corner at the near post and heading it over Pickford. The Dortmund forward can't stop scoring!

64’ - Penalty?!? Pickford tries a Cruyff turn after taking too many touches following a back-pass. Rodrigo intercepts and the England goalkeeper scrambles back and is pulling the forward back before managing to intercept for a corner. Spain are furious. England are lucky, it would seem.