England claimed an unlikely 1-0 win over world champion Spain, thanks to a headed goal from stand-in captain Frank Lampard and some resolute defending during the closing stages of a hugely entertaining friendly at Wembley Stadium Saturday. Lampard's winner came in the 49th minute after Spain, who is also European champion, had dominated possession in the first half but failed to create any clear scoring chances. The goal came after James Milner whipped in a freekick that Darren Bent met with a good header that hit substitute keeper Pepe Reina's post. As the ball bounced along the line Lampard reacted first to head into the empty net from close range. Spain striker David Villa had two chances to score after the break, sending his first effort into the side netting in the 57th minute then hitting the post with a shot from the edge of the box 16 minutes later. The win was England's first over the reigning world champion since it beat Argentina 3-1 at Wembley in 1980. “I don't think it was an upsetting defeat,” said Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque. “The team put in all the effort they could, they played some good football and controlled the match. We just lacked a bit of spark in the decisive area of the pitch.” Lampard, winning his 90th cap and captaining England in place of his Chelsea teammate John Terry, added: “We have beaten a great team but we will not be shouting from the rooftops as we are not where we want to be yet.” The second half was far more entertaining than the first in which Spain took control from the kickoff, with their short passing game mesmerizing England for long periods, but failed to turn their clear dominance into goals. With midfielders Xabi and Xabi Alonso controlling almost every move, England was unable to break Spain's grip on the match because it hardly saw the ball. When it did, its approach was in total contrast with whoever was in possession looking for the long pass to try and build an England attack with a hit-and-hope approach. Apart from one quick break after three minutes, when a Milner cross was cleared, and a poor Lampard corner, England hardly made any impression in attack in the early stages. Lampard had England's only shot of note in the first period, a hugely speculative effort from 30 meters which goalkeeper Iker Casillas, making his 126th appearance to equal Andoni Zubizarreta's Spain record, saved easily.
