Raheem Sterling was England’s hero as a turgid Nations League encounter with Iceland exploded into penalty drama in the final minutes, with Gareth Southgate’s men emerging as 1-0 victors.
Harry Kane had an early goal incorrectly ruled out but it soon became a tale of frustration for England against the side who famously humiliated them against the odds at Euro 2016.
Kyle Walker’s red card teed up the prospect of another ignominious outcome, but Sterling won a spot kick in the final minute when Sverrir Ingason — who, like Walker received a second booking — handled his shot following a right-wing corner.
The Manchester City forward rolled his effort home before a further stoppage-time sting in the tail.
Joe Gomez clumsily fouled substitute Holmbert Fridjonsson in the box, although Birkir Bjarnason opted for a contrasting approach to Sterling's and blazed woefully high and wide.
In Friday night matches, Edin Džeko’s goal helped Bosnia-Herzegovina hold Italy to a 1-1 draw, ending the Azzurri’s record winning streak at 11.
Džeko, who plays his club football with Roma and is therefore no stranger to Italy, put Bosnia ahead near the hour mark from close range on Friday.
Stefano Sensi equalised 11 minutes later with a shot that was deflected in off a defender.
Roberto Mancini’s side had won their last 11 matches coming into the clash at the all-but empty Stadio Artemio Franchi, with their last fixture a 9-1 hammering of Armenia in their final qualifying match for the postponed Euro 2020.
Also in League A, the Netherlands beat visiting Poland as Steven Bergwijn tapped in for his first international goal — giving the Oranje 30 goals in their last 10 competitive home games.