England grabbed a 1-0 victory in their Nations League opener but only after Iceland missed a stoppage-time penalty in a dramatic finale in Reykjavik.
England looked to have endured a frustrating first reunion with Euro 2016 conquerors Iceland, with Harry Kane wrongfully denied an early opener before Kyle Walker was sent off for two bookable offences in the second half.
However, Raheem Sterling broke Iceland’s resistance in the first minute of time added on, winning and converting a penalty to put 10-man England in front with seconds remaining.
A clumsy Joe Gomez foul on Albert Gudmundsson gifted the hosts an immediate route back, but a woeful spot-kick from former Aston Villa midfielder Birkir Bjarnason let England off the hook as Gareth Southgate’s visibly fatigued side got off the mark.
Player ratings
Iceland: Halldorsson (6), Hermannsson (6), Ingason (4), Arnason (6), Magnusson (5), Traustason (5), Bjarnason (4), Palsson (5), Thorsteinsson (5), Bodvarsson (5), Sigporsson (5).
Subs: Hallfredsson (6), Sigurdsson (5), Fridjonsson (n/a).
England: Pickford (6), Walker (3), Gomez (5), Dier (6), Trippier (6), Ward-Prowse (5), Rice (6), Foden (7), Sterling (8), Sancho (7), Kane (6).
Subs: Ings (6), Alexander-Arnold (n/a), Greenwood (n/a).
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling
