European Championship holders gave a great display of total football last night with a 2-0 win against England.
Yes, it was a friendly and England did have key players missing but what was evident was the Spaniard's ability to retain possession and generate continual off-the-ball movement. Between Alonso and Xavi the England midfield were left chasing shadows at times. That said, we maintained our shape and worked hard. The 2 goals that Spain scored were down to defensive errors, with Rio Ferdinand returning to the back four you would hope that we could push teams like Spain in the 2010 World Cup.
Then there was David Beckham. Returning to the England squad from his new club AC Milan, Becks looked fitter and more focused than he has done in years. His passion for Three Lions is a great example for the whole squad and his through ball to Charlton Cole was great quality that 7 times out of 10 would lead to an England goal. This subsitute performance equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 108 caps for England, in my view Beckham has proved to be an England legend that will hopefully prove this at the highest level - World Cup 2010.
England coach Fabio Capello admitted there was a lot to learn from this game, however isn't that what friendlies are for? As an England fan, I am very pleased about our development under Capello and think that this friendly will only assist this progress because it gives us the yardstick that we will need to meet in the next 18 months.
