IF YOU MISSED Spain v England last night, you missed a great game — the kind that would restore any wavering faith you might have in the Uefa Nations League as a concept.
Two Raheem Sterling goals, either side of a Marcus Rashford strike, gave Gareth Southgate’s men a 3-0 lead at half-time in Seville.
And despite an excellent header from substitute Paco Alcacer, and a lifeline from Sergio Ramos deep into additional time, the visitors held out for a famous 3-2 win.
The highlight was unquestionably England’s opening goal, a patient move which strung together a total of 17 passes — including one from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford which took no fewer than seven Spanish players out of the game — before it was finished off by Sterling.
Check it out:
This is a stunning goal from England.
— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) October 15, 2018
Raheem Sterling breaks the deadlock in Spain to finish a 17-pass move!
What about that pass from Jordan Pickford? #NationsLeague #VMSport pic.twitter.com/RsYPU7BDhC
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Some finish in fairness
Great team goal. Hats off to England and their progressive coach.
And it took 14 passes just to get the ball back to Pickford to start the move for the goal!!
And no mention of the obvious penalty when pickford was caught acting the clown in his own penalty area …
@Joe O’riordan: yeah but the article was about the goal. Salty Balls
Wow 17 passes !!!!! Really ? If it was 50 you would say yeah but 17 ???? Hardly out doing Spain …
@Joe O’riordan: 17 passes isn’t that bad when considering Cambiasso’s wondergoal for Argentina in the World Cup was 24 passes
@Joe O’riordan: Yes, if it was Spain that scored you wouldn’t bat an eyelid to a goal with 17 passes. But it was England so it is a bit unusual. Christ, I’d only love if Ireland could string 3 passes together for a goal, never mind 17.
@Eoin McCarthy: to be fair the final two passes were very Ireland. Long ball from the keeper, passed on and goal.
3 shots on goal compared to Spain’s 23 and 30% possession . This was a smash and grab and nothing else . Congrats on winning the World Cup England by the sounds of things haha
Nearly the same quality as a Dundalk goal