After much criticism in recent months for their displays and lack of clinical finishing, Rashford and Sterling stepped up in emphatic style in Seville to give England a commanding lead in the UEFA Nations League.
Raheem Sterling gave England an unexpected early lead just shy of the fifteen minute mark in this contest, with an assured and timely finish into the top corner of the Spanish net.
England broke away from Spanish pressure, with Rashford speeding down the left-hand flank, Sterling broke free in the middle, and was found by an excellent diagonal through ball from Rashford.
All that was left to do was remain composed, and put the ball into the net. Here Sterling brought his coolness in front of goal for Man City into this moment in an England Shirt.
Sterling calmly advanced into the penalty area, before firing his shot high into the top corner of the Spanish net to give the 'Three Lions' the lead in this crucial game.
After Sterling's excellent opener, it was Rashford's turn to put an end to his doubters, by breaking free to slide a second past club mate David de Gea in the Spanish goal.
A long ball from keeper Pickford was collected by captain Harry Kane just shy of the centre-circle, he then shimmied past three defenders before picking out the advancing Rashford on the edge of the penalty area.
Rashford took the pass in his stride, holding off a Spanish defender, and slotting the ball into the net to double England's lead.
The two players performed brilliantly in the first half, ensuring that England would go into half-time with a comfortable lead on the back of an assured first half performance in this most crucial fixture.