Ian Wright praises ‘magnificent’ Arsenal star after England beat Spain

Former England striker Ian Wright (Picture: ITV) Ian Wright praised ‘magnificent’ Arsenal defender Ben White after England’s thrilling Nations League win over World Cup holders Spain.

England ended Spain’s incredible 43-match unbeaten run with a 3-2 victory in Madrid on Sunday evening.

The Three Lions were bright from the start and took the lead on the stroke of half-time through a penalty from England record goalscorer and Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane.

Ezri Konsa headed in Declan Rice’s corner shortly after the interval and England were in dreamland when White added a third on the hour mark, arriving at the back-post and firing past Unai Simon.

Spain were being outplayed but had renewed hope when Elliot Anderson was sent off for bringing down Lamine Yamal as he raced through on goal and Mikel Oyarzabal converted the subsequent penalty.

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England fans were having flashbacks of last summer’s World Cup semi-final collapse against Argentina when Nico Williams scored Spain’s second to set up a tense final 20 minutes.

The hosts pressed for an equaliser but were denied by some valiant England defending and an impressive display from goalkeeper James Trafford.

The hard-fought win means England, already through to the quarter-finals of the Nations League, finish top of their group ahead of World Cup holders Spain.

Wright felt England ‘deserved’ the win despite the late pressure from Spain and singled out Arsenal star White for special praise.

White was part of England’s World Cup group in Qatar four years ago but left Gareth Southgate’s squad for personal reasons.

He then made himself unavailable for selection for the rest of Southgate’s reign, a decision that has led to him being booed by some England fans in recent games.

‘Can I just say, I’m really pleased for Ben White and the way things have turned around for him,’ Wright said on ITV.

‘It’s just brilliant for him to get back in and he was magnificent tonight. Not just with the goal but he was making tackles, niggling the Spain players. I’m so pleased it’s ended that way for him.

“This England team are RUNNING RIOT in Spain” 🤩👀 They lead the World Cup winners by 3-0 in Madrid!! WOW. pic.twitter.com/2GuDnscRb4

‘There was a lot to be excited about for England. They were 3-0 up and cruising against the world champions before the red kind of changed the game.’

Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Rice said the England squad ‘knew’ they were going to end Spain’s two-year unbeaten run.

‘We knew we were going to beat them tonight,’ he said on ITV. ‘The message from the manager after the Croatia game has been so positive.

‘The first 10 minutes was the best we’ve played. Overall 10 men for half an hour, winning 3-2 against a team unbeaten in 43 is massive.

‘Argentina that day [at the World Cup] wasn’t meant to be. That’s football. When they [Spain] got a second maybe it could have gone another way. It’s a massive win.’

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