WEMBLEY, England (AP) ― Frank Lampard scored on a header four minutes into the second half to lead England past Spain 1-0 Saturday, the fourth loss for the Spaniards since they won the World Cup.
Lampard struck after Darren Bent’s header came off the post, giving England a victory at Wembley Stadium after being outplayed most of the way.
“The fact England only got near the goal with that chance from the free kick did show we dominated the game,” Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said through a translator.
“But I’m a bit disappointed, almost angry, that we didn’t manage to win,” he added. “At key moments in the game perhaps we lacked a bit of speed.”
After Lampard scored, Spain squandered its chances. David Villa hit the post and Cesc Fabregas twice came close twice toward the end.
Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina can’t save a header by England’s Frank Lampard. (AFP-Yonhap News)
Spain has also lost to Argentina, Portugal and Italy since winning the 2010 World Cup, although the European champions won every Euro 2012 qualifier.
“I don’t think it’s a case of us approaching these four games in too complacent a manner,” Del Bosque said. “We lacked that skillful, defining moment. England carried out the manager’s orders to the absolute letter.”
Beating the European champions will give England a boost leading to Euro 2012. England missed out on the 2008 tournament and then played dismally at the World Cup.
“It’s great to beat them now ― they are the best team in the world,” Lampard said. “We won’t get carried away over the fact we beat them. Let’s be realistic, they dominated the game. ... We are not quite where we want to be just yet.”
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas played his 126th international game, matching his country’s record for appearances. He equaled the mark set by goalie Andoni Zubizarreta from 1985 to 1998.
“We didn’t deserve to lose today,” Casillas said. “It’s a pity I couldn’t celebrate with a victory.”
Lampard was designated England’s captain after John Terry was benched, a move coach Fabio Capello insisted was not tied to the ongoing police investigation over his alleged racism.
England played without star striker Wayne Rooney. Capello tested Danny Welbeck and Bent in preparation for Rooney missing the three Euro 2012 group stage matches after his ban by European soccer’s governing body.
