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Gareth Southgate: England stars should be 'incredibly proud' after beating Spain

EPA
EPA

A "delighted" Gareth Southgate declared his pride after watching England build on their impressive World Cup showing with a sensational 3-2 Uefa Nations League win against Spain in Seville.

Raheem Sterling scored two goals in the opening 45 minutes, having only scored twice in his previous 45 international appearances, with Marcus Rashford sweeping home in an extraordinary first half at Real Betis' Estadio Benito Villamarin to leave England 3-0 up at the break.

Clinical, bold and a joy to behold, talk of relegation from the Nations League's top tier was replaced by hope of perhaps even making the finals after a 3-2 victory that for a while had shades of the 2001 win in Germany about it.

Paco Alcacer netted shortly after his second-half introduction to ratchet up the pressure, and although Sergio Ramos scored with the last act of the game Southgate's young side passed this test of resilience.

England's maiden Nations League win will not be forgotten in a hurry, with Spain conceding three goals in a competitive home match for the first time ever as the Three Lions were rewarded for their first-half display of bravery and skill in Seville.

Southgate believes the victory was up there with some of the best enjoyed by England.

Asked if he could think of many better performances, Southgate told Sky Sports: "It is difficult to in terms of quality and the fact we have come away from home to play a team on such a good run and have been a top team for years.

"I am delighted with what we have done. They should be incredibly proud of their performance."

Southgate was particularly pleased that England are not resting on their laurels after finishing fourth at the World Cup this summer, saying: "What the players achieved (at the World Cup) was incredible.

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

"The next challenge was can we advance, look at a new system and some young players. Some players have emerged giving us a lot more options.

"The mentality of the players and staff has been outstanding and they've got to enjoy tonight."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.