Updated on
Summary Frank Lampard headed England to a 1-0 victory over Spain in a friendly at the Wembley Stadium.
Frank Lampard headed England to a 1-0 victory over Spain despite the world and European champions outplaying the hosts for most of Saturdays friendly at Wembley Stadium.Captain on his 90th England appearance, Lampard netted four minutes into the second half, meeting the loose ball after Darren Bents header came off the post.It was a difficult game, but we played well and maintained our style, Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said. Although, maybe we lacked depth at times, we played well I thought.It is the latest setback for Spain in a friendly against a leading side, with Del Bosques side also losing to Argentina, Portugal and Italy since winning the 2010 World Cup.Technically, the Spanish were superior and in complete control in London, but they squandered a series of chances to equalize after falling behind.David Villa hit the post and Cesc Fabregas came close twice in the closing minutes.Beating the European champions will boost morale in the England camp ahead of Euro 2012 after missing out on the 2008 tournament and then performing dismally at the World Cup.Indeed, England struggled to retain the ball, with Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas having a quiet 45 minutes on the pitch as he matched his countrys appearance record.Like goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta from 1985 to 1998, Casillas has featured 126 times for Spain and he is still only 30.The first shot the captain had to face didnt come until the 32nd minute when Lampard struck tamely straight at Casillas.With England packing the defense, it took Spain until the 36th to come close to Joe Harts goal, with Sergio Busquets flicking over.Among Spains three changes at halftime, Casillas place was taken by Pepe Reina. And the substitute goalkeepers first act was picking the ball out of his net after Lampards opener.A flowing start to the half saw England earn a free kick on the left flank, which James Milner whipped into a crowded penalty area.Bents header bounced off the post, with Reinas dive missing the ball, and the rebound fell to the unmarked Lampard to nod into the net.
