True bulldog grit wins through

England corrected a few wrongs and acheived a few first this evening, we beat a number 1 ranked side for the first time ever, beat the world champs for the first time since 1980 and even kept a clean sheet.

The game was a true Anglo/Spanish clash, Spain had the lions share of possesion, England defnded stoically and got in all the last ditch tackles we used to be famous for.

Spain bought out all their superstars and first choice names, England went for what was available, Terry was missing because of his latest alleged indiscretions, this led to a Lescott/Jagielka partnership that was to prove pivotal, Bent was in for Rooney who is paying for a lack of on-field dicsipline.

The first half was a bit of a nothing contest really, Spain passed the ball around as Spain do, England though kept them well contained and never gave them a true sniff of Hart's goal, the English attacks were largely from deep breaks from Walcott, sometimes he made good ground, sometimes he was illegally dealt with, again though the threat was negligible.

Half-time arrived with neither goal coming under great threat, Villa had a couple of efforts well blocked, Spain dominated but created nothing, England just contained, and contained well.

Second half and England made the one sub during the break, Walcott was pulled and Downing enrtered the fray, Spain making 4 changes of their own.

The game was just 4 minutes into the second period when England gained a free-kick wide on the left, Milner whipped it in and Bent rose highest, his header beat Reina but hit the inside of the post, the ball spun across the line and Lampard had the easiest of his International golas nodding home from about 2 inches.

England has an improbable lead, the crowd was lifted and England had their best spell of the game, Spain were looking a little narked though, Ramos flying in two-footed on Bent, he earned yellow when it could of been red, then Fabregas clattered into Jagielka to earn his own booking.

The rest of the half was a procession, Spain pushed and pushed, England repelled and defended for yheit lives, Parker and the centre backs particularly outstanding.

On 73 Villa almost earned parity, his swivelled volley had Hart beaten but clipped the post and was hacked clear, the woodwork was definitely on England's side tonight!

The pressure was deep Atlantic level now, Fabregas squared in the box when well placed, Parker mopping up, he then shot straight at Hart, if these were good chances though he was to spurn the best of them, Villa played him in and he completely scuffed a flick and the ball trickled wide with Hart nowhere.

The whistle blew and England had a victory to savour, it felt almost like a giant killing such was Spain's quality, but when your defence is so dogged as this you always have a chance.

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