Gareth Southgate lauded England’s players after their display of quality and courage stunned Spain in a Nations League victory that will live long in the memory.

Raheem Sterling ended his 1,102-day wait for an international goal in style in Seville, where he opened the scoring before netting again once Marcus Rashford had fired home.

It was a breathtaking first half that brought back memories of the 5-1 shellacking of Germany in 2001, but Spain rallied and piled on the pressure after the break as substitute Paco Alcacer pulled one back.

Sergio Ramos grabbed another in stoppage time, but England had done enough to secure a 3-2 victory that underlines the progress being made by the World Cup semi-finalists.

“It’s not for me to take any credit,” the England boss said of Sterling.

“I think the only thing we did say was when he scores, he’ll probably score again – and he managed to do that pretty quickly.

“I’m delighted for him because I don’t think he ever lacked confidence, but I said last night sometimes you get chances and you’re thinking too much.

“I think tonight he just took the chances and was prepared to hit things early.

“But also, his general game was good. He took up some really dangerous pockets of play and got turned and running at the defence.