Captain Frank Lampard scored the only goal of the game as a spirited England beat world champions Spain at Wembley on Saturday.
The Spaniards dominated most of the possession but failed to carve out too many clear-cut chances, and Lampard’s close range header early on in the second half ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Fabio Capello went with Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka at centre back, while Lampard, Scott Parker, Theo Walcott, Phil Jones and Milner made up a five-man midfield, leaving Darren Bent as the lone striker.
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas was named in the starting line-up and in the process, surpassed Zubizarretta’s record of 125 Spanish caps.
Spain, as expected, dominated proceedings early on but a stubborn English defence saw the likes of David Villa and Andres Iniesta struggle to find any room whatsoever.
Parker and Lampard were at the top of their game, stifling any sight of goal Spain had, and not allowing any gaps to appear.
The half ended goalless, with neither goalkeeper forced into action, barring a routine catch for Iker Casillas from a long-range Lampard effort.
Vicente Del Bosque made two changes at half time, bringing on Pepe Reina for Casillas and Cesc Fabregas for Xavi.
Walcott was taken off by Capello, and Stewart Downing was brought on in his place.
Spain had their first real sight of goal early on in the second half when Villa was put through by Iniesta. The Barcelona forward managed to round Hart, but his shot from a tight angle could only find the side-netting.
With 50 minutes on the clock, Alvaro Arbeloa gave away a silly free-kick from a dangerous position, giving England their first real opportunity from a set play.
Milner’s ball was headed towards goal by Bent and after the Aston Villa man’s effort had come back off the post, Lampard headed in from centimeters out for his 23rd international goal.
Replays show that the ball was spinning in anyway but Lampard made sure by scoring what surely is the easiest goal in his career so far.
That was to be Lampard’s last contribution as he substituted 6 minutes later to a standing ovation from a packed Wembley crowd.
Torres and Mata were both brought on for Spain as the world champions looked to find a way through the unyielding English backline. Fabregas and Ramos were both booked for stupid tackles as frustration crept in.
David Villa hit the post with a sublime volley before Fabregas had a deflected effort saved by Hart following a sharp turn and shot.
Tottenham midfielder Parker was putting on his best performance in England shirt and he made a vital sliding interception as Fabregas attempted to set up Gerard Pique for a tap-in.
The visitors were getting closer, and their best opportunity came minutes from the end, when Villa played Fabregas through on goal. But the in-form Barcelona midfielder, who has been in fine scoring form this season, scuffed his effort and saw the ball trickle agonisingly wide of Hart’s post.
England’s defending was frantic at times, but they held on for a famous victory.
This was the first time the Three Lions had beaten the defending world champions since 1980 and the first time ever that they had beaten a team ranked no.1 in the world.
Goalscorer Frank Lampard said after the game that though it was a great win for his side, their feet were firmly placed on the ground.
‘For everyone it is a lift, but we have to be realistic. We know they dominated the game for long periods,’ Lampard said in an interview on ITV1.
‘We won’t be shouting from rooftops. We understand football. We are not quite where we want to be just yet, but to beat a side like Spain is something we can definitely build upon.’
England next play Sweden in a friendly n Tuesday at Wembley, in a game where Fabio Capello has asserted that John Terry will be given back the captain’s armband. He also said in an interview that Daniel Sturridge and Bobby Zamora would lead the attack against the Swedes.
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