Spain vs England. International Match.
Jose Rico Perez.
Saturday 14 November 2015 08:49, UK
England’s preparations for Euro 2016 got off to a disappointing start as Spain secured a comfortable 2-0 victory in Alicante.
After a goalless first half, it took a moment of pure quality from Mario Gaspar 18 minutes from time to break the deadlock as he spectacularly volleyed Cesc Fabregas' pass over Joe Hart to give Spain the lead.
Vicente del Bosque's side doubled their advantage six minutes from time as substitute Santi Cazorla, on in place of the injured Thiago, curled a low shot into the bottom corner.
England, who saw Michael Carrick stretchered off late on, hit the bar in injury time through substitute Wayne Rooney but in the end Spain's quality shone through as Roy Hodgson's men suffered their first defeat since the 2014 World Cup.
Spain, who made eight changes from the side that beat Ukraine last time out, dominated possession from the first whistle as England set out to contain the hosts and trouble them on the counter-attack.
It was to be the pattern of the first half as Spain kept the ball away from the visitors, who started with skipper Wayne Rooney on the bench, and it was defender Gerard Pique who had the first chance for the hosts as his deflected shot looped wide of Joe Hart's post.
Pique's Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets was the next man to go close as his volley evaded the touch of both Marc Bartra and the bottom corner.
Spain lost Thiago to injury in the 26th minute but they were not inconvenienced too much with Arsenal midfielder Cazorla summoned from the bench by Del Bosque.
The hosts continued to press forward as Iniesta picked out Paco Alcacer, but the Valencia striker pulled his shot wide of the far post.
England did find some joy down the left as Sterling and Bertrand whipped in low crosses just before the break, but no one could find a finish. Harry Kane and Delph all registered shots on target, but Iker Casillas had no trouble saving them.
Spain replaced Andres Iniesta with Nolito at the break and even without the Barcelona midfielder Spain continued to keep the ball away from England with ease.
Hart was forced into action in the 66th minute to deny Jordi Alba, however minutes later England responded as Kane fizzed a dipping drive just wide.
Hodgson brought debutant Eric Dier on for Delph while Dele Alli replaced Adam Lallana but the changes did not have the desired effect.
Spain finally broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute when Fabregas chipped a ball into the box and Mario unleashed an acrobatic volley that flew over Hart.
Twelve minutes later the hosts doubled their lead as Cazorla curled a low effort in off a post to end a run of 15 games unbeaten for England.
In injury time Rooney - who came on as a 73rd-minute substitute - hit the woodwork, while Kane forced Casillas to parry his shot away but in the end it was a comfortable night for Del Bosque's side.
