The match saw Elliot Anderson come up against City team-mates Joško Gvardiol and Mateo Kovačić with the Three Lions needing a point.
Striker Harry Kane became England’s most capped player and the captain scored the winner on his 126th appearance for his country.
Morgan Rogers bundled in a first half opener but Petar Sucic equalised in the second half with Gvardiol having a hand in the goal.
But they were level for just five minutes before Kane’s penalty winner after VAR spotted a foul on Jarell Quansah.
It means they can top League A Group 3 if they beat Spain in the final game on Sunday after their 2-0 win away to the Czech Republic.
In Group 1, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s Italy moved to the top following a 3-1 win over France.
Rayan Cherki started for Les Bleus but despite taking a 10th minute lead, they fell to defeat at the San Siro as they dropped down to second.
But there’s plenty to play for in the group with both countries just a point ahead of Belgium who host Italy in the final fixture.
Jérémy Doku helped the Red Devils to a 2-1 comeback victory away to Turkey.
After a going a goal behind, the winger worked a cross for former City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne to smash home an equaliser before they went onto win the game.
Meanwhile, in a qualification game for the Africa Cup of Nations, Iliman Ndiaye helped Senegal to a 4-1 victory over Sudan with the winger claiming an assist.
City v Bradford: Tickets available from £20 for adults and £5 for U18s
Tickets for our Carabao Cup tie with Bradford City are now on general sale.
They’re available from £20 for adults and £5 for U18s as we face the League One Bantams in the quarter-finals of the competition.
The game takes place on Tuesday 15 December with a 20:00 (UK) kick-off at the Etihad.
It’s also worth noting that this match will be Christmas-themed, meaning there’ll be plenty of festive cheer and festive events taking place around the stadium on the day.
Hospitality is also on sale for the game and is available from £90 in The Ardwick.
Our new Pep Guardiola suites are available - with Crossbar at £110 and Zadie’s at £200.
We have a wide range of hospitality packages available, whether you’re looking for an exclusive bar, a dining experience or true once-in-a-lifetime magic, it’s all available at the Etihad Stadium.