Goals from David Villa and Fernando Llorente gave Spain a 2-0 win over England in Sevilla's Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium on Wednesday The game had been built up as a rematch following the 2004 friendly between the two sides in Madrid.
Spain's Gerard Pique (R) challenges England's Gabriel Agbonlahor during their friendly international soccer match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville Feb. 11, 2009
England was without key players Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Theo Walcott and that clearly left then light in attack. Spain coach Vicente del Bosque kicked off with virtually his full side on the pitch with the exception of Gerard Pique, who made his international debut for the injured Carles Puyol.
Spain's David Villa reacts after his goal against England was disallowed during their friendly international soccer match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville Feb. 11, 2009.
A momentary lack of communication opened the door for Spain. Phil Jagielka was slow to spring the offside trap and Xabi Alonso passed a though ball to David Villa. The Valencia forward turned first Jagielka and then John Terry before firing Spain ahead from just inside the penalty area.
Spain's Fernando Llorente celebrates after scoring their second goal against England during their friendly international soccer match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville, Feb. 11, 2009
With both sides making changes after the break, the second 45 minutes was a dull affair with Spain controlling most of the ball, but failing to create any danger for the English goal. The most newsworthy incident was the presence of David Beckham, who was playing his 108th game for England, equaling Bobby Moore's record for an outfield player.
Spain's Fernando Llorente (2nd R) celebrates with team mates after scoring their second goal against England during their friendly international soccer match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville Feb. 11, 2009
England had chances through Shaun Wright Phillips and debutant Carlton Cole before the Spanish sealed the win with less than 10 minutes remaining. Xavi Hernandez sent over a free kick and Athletic Club Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, a 60th minute substitute for Torres, climbed above the English defense to seal the win.
England's David Beckham (17) and John Terry (6) congratulate Spain players at the end of their friendly international soccer match at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium in Seville Feb. 11, 2009.