Spain ruin Beckham's big night

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES:Spain 2 England 0

A GOAL in each half from David Villa and Fernando Llorente gave Spain victory over England in the friendly at Estadio Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan in Seville last night.

Valencia striker Villa struck with nine minutes remaining in the first half after a through ball from Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.

Fabio Capello’s England went close through an early chance for Gabriel Agbonlahor.

David Beckham equalled Bobby Moore’s England record of 108 caps for an outfield player when he came on as a substitute at the start of the second half.

Capello had promised Premier League managers plenty of changes to rest players, and it meant Beckham was allowed to reach his landmark.

Peter Crouch, Matthew Upson, Frank Lampard and Robert Green were also brought on, with Emile Heskey, Stewart Downing, Phil Jagielka, Gareth Barry and David James making way.

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque took his goalscorer, Villa, off for David Silva, and Pepe Reina replaced Iker Casillas in goal for the hosts.

Beckham saw plenty of the ball but England were struggled to get through Spain’s defence.

Fernando Torres still looked fresh and was almost sent through – he had been given only15 minutes in Liverpool’s win over Portsmouth last weekend, but was not taken off until the 64th minute last night. Llorente took his place.

James had a moment to forget on the half-hour mark after Torres had a shot blocked by Jagielka, with the Portsmouth goalkeeper spilling when he came to claim the high ball.

Shaun Wright-Phillips had an exciting run stopped by Pique on the edge of the area, but after wasting the free-kick, England were behind in the 36th minute.

Jagielka gave away the ball and Xabi Alonso instantly fed Villa, who spun on the edge of the area to finish past James.

Llorente wrapped up the victory in the 82nd minute giving Robert Green no chance with a firm header to the top corner.