Spain v England player ratings: Ben White silences doubters but Elliot Anderson sent off

England clung on to beat Spain 3-2 and top Nations League Group A3 in a thriller in Madrid, inflicting the first defeat on the world champions at home in 39 years.

Harry Kane deservedly opened the scoring with a composed penalty shortly before half-time, before Ezri Konsa doubled the Three Lions’ lead in the second half with a free header from a Declan Rice corner.

Ben White then marked his full return to the England fold – having started for the first time in this campaign – with a brilliant finish through Simon’s legs to make it 3-0.

But the game flipped entirely when Elliot Anderson was sent off and conceded a penalty for hauling down Lamine Yamal 65 minutes in, with Mikel Oyarzabal slotting home the spot-kick to make it 3-1.

Anthony Gordon was punished for losing possession cheaply as Yamal raced away to tee up Nico Williams for Spain’s second, setting up a grandstand finish in Madrid.

James Trafford was the hero as he produced several fine saves, including a double in extra time, and England held on to make a major statement and end Spain’s 43-game unbeaten run.

Here is how the players rated at the Metropolitano:

England

James Trafford, 8: Had absolutely nothing to do until the second half as Spain failed to have a shot on target, then did his hopes of becoming England’s No 1 no harm at all despite Spain’s two goals. Great reflex save to deny Fermin Lopez in the 73rd minute and a fine double save from Marc Cucurella 80 minutes in, then another superb double save to deny Lopez and Yamal in extra time.

Ben White, 9: At the centre of England’s fast, aggressive start; won the corner which nearly led to a second-minute opener and drilled a fine finish through Unai Simon’s legs for the third goal, then made a crucial late block to deny Lamine Yamal. Bit of needless argy-bargy with Fabian Ruiz at half-time but did well to silence those who booed him on his England return. Replaced by Dan Burn for the final few minutes.

Ezri Konsa, 9: Part of a composed and solid back line and marked his return to action with a lovely header from a corner to double England’s lead early in the second half.

Jarell Quansah, 8: Conceded a free-kick with a block on Cucurella but was otherwise solid in defence.

Lewis Hall, 9: Superb: industrious and composed in defence, bringing an end to a dangerous Spain counter shortly before half-time, leading the way in dribbles and winning duels, and kept Yamal quiet. Contributed to England’s attack too; made an excellent mazy run through the box 18 minutes in, but there was no one in space to receive his cross.

Elliot Anderson, 5: Solid in midfield for 60 minutes and produced a terrific long pass to Kane which led to the captain winning the penalty, but sent off and conceded a penalty for hauling Yamal down in the box with the Spaniard through on goal, which entirely transformed the game.

Jude Bellingham, 8: Unlucky to be denied an early opener with an excellent attempt, then hit the side-netting 25 minutes in. Combined well with Kane and was at the centre of every England move, then was unhappy to be withdrawn for Dominic Calvert-Lewin late on.

Declan Rice, 7: Conceded a needless free-kick and yellow card for tripping Yamal, and sent a poor free-kick straight at Simon in the 34th minute. Redeemed himself with an excellent delivery for Konsa’s goal and was a physical presence in midfield.

Morgan Rogers, 6: Didn’t quite get the pass right to Bellingham after a fine first-half team move. Outshone by the rest of the attack tonight.

Harry Kane, 8: In the right positions but flashed an early chance narrowly wide and off-target with a close-range header which was flagged offside. But led the line as always, won the penalty and put England in front with a brilliantly composed spot-kick. Replaced by Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Anthony Gordon, 6: A tale of two halves: 9 for the first half, 4 for the second. Fast and relentless; had the beating of Marc Pubill for pace and was a constant threat down the left flank. Let himself down by conceding possession cheaply and was punished by Lamine Yamal for Spain’s second, then hauled off shortly after for Djed Spence.

Substitutes

Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 8; Djed Spence: 7

Spain

Unai Simon, 7: Called into action right from the start with a superb goal-line clearance to deny Bellingham. Kept busy throughout and made some good saves but was embarrassed by Ben White scoring through his legs.

Marc Pubill, 5: Struggled to keep pace with England’s attackers and only made a brief cameo, replaced 20 minutes in by Pedro Porro after colliding heavily with Unai Simon.

Pau Cubarsi, 4: Showed little of his usual magic. Responsible for conceding a penalty with a poor last-ditch challenge on Kane shortly before half-time, getting none of the ball and all of the man. Replaced by Dean Huijsen at the break.

Aymeric Laporte, 7: Consistent at the back, especially in the second half.

Marc Cucurella, 7: Bothered England with some nippy fouls and won a cheap free-kick in the first half-hour, but his dramatics – arguing he was fouled by Anderson in the build-up to England winning the penalty – weren’t enough to have it chalked off.

Martin Zubimendi, 6: Crowded out and constantly under pressure in midfield, but improved in the second half. Replaced by Nico Williams 72 minutes in.

Fabian Ruiz, 7: Produced a dangerous curling cross into the box which was one of Spain’s best chances of the first half-hour, but denied by the England defence. Involved in a scrap at half-time with Ben White and did not return at the restart.

Lamine Yamal, 9: Kept quiet in the early stages but grew into the contest and was key to Spain’s press as they started to trouble England. Was essentially the only attacking threat Spain had for 60 minutes, won the penalty off Anderson, and set up Williams for Spain’s second with a beautiful pass.

Mikel Merino, 5: Entirely anonymous and hooked for Pedri at half-time.

Alex Baena, 8: Sent a dangerous cross into the area after Yamal was fouled by Rice in a rare attacking foray by Spain in a listless first half. Combined well with Yamal throughout.

Mikel Oyarzabal, 8: Sent Trafford the wrong way to score Spain’s 65th minute penalty for 3-1 and turned the game on its head.

Substitutes

Pedro Porro: 8; Dean Huijsen: 7; Fermin Lopez: 9; Pedri: 8; Nico Williams: 9.