International friendly: Becks equals legend
Table of Contents
David Beckham equaled Bobby Moore’s appearance record for an outfield player but England's unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat against European champions Spain at Seville.
Beckham reached 108 appearances for his country but was started on the bench as boss Fabio Capello opted for Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right.
Spain started the match much the brighter, with their quick feet and intelligent one-touch football giving England the run around.
But for all the hosts' flair on the ball, it was the visitors who forged the first chance.
Gareth Barry made room on the left flank and his cross was volleyed wide by Aston Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor.
David Villa then had the ball in the net on 26 minutes after latching onto Andrés Iniesta's pass, but the Valencia striker was ruled offside to cut short his celebration.
Villa, though, finally put Spain in front ten minutes later as he collected Xabi Alonso's through ball on the edge of the area, moved past John Terry and Phil Jagielka before placing his finish beyond David James.
Beckham's landmark moment then arrived at the start of the second half, with the former Three Lions skipper stepping off the bench to draw level with Moore as England's most-capped outfield player.
Beckham then picked Wright-Phillips out with a trademark diagonal pass, only for the Manchester City winger to fire into the midriff of Pepe Reina.
And with eight minutes to go the hosts sealed the win. Fernando Llorente, who replaced Fernando Torres in the 64th minute, met Xavi's cross to head past James' replacement Robert Green.
Lineups:
Spain: Iker Casillas (Pepe Reina 46); Sergio Ramos, Raúl Albiol (Carlos Marchena 79), Gerard Piqué, Joan Capdevila (Álvaro Arbeloa 46); Marcos Senna; Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernández (Dani Güiza 85), Andrés Iniesta; David Villa (David Silva 56), Fernando Torres (Fernando Llorente 64)
England: David James (Robert Green 46); Glen Johnson, John Terry, Phil Jagielka (Matthew Upson 46), Ashley Cole; Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing (David Beckham 46); Emile Heskey (Peter Crouch 46), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Carlton Cole 79)
Related links:
Team
Beckham reached 108 appearances for his country but was started on the bench as boss Fabio Capello opted for Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right.
Spain started the match much the brighter, with their quick feet and intelligent one-touch football giving England the run around.
But for all the hosts' flair on the ball, it was the visitors who forged the first chance.
Gareth Barry made room on the left flank and his cross was volleyed wide by Aston Villa team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor.
David Villa then had the ball in the net on 26 minutes after latching onto Andrés Iniesta's pass, but the Valencia striker was ruled offside to cut short his celebration.
Villa, though, finally put Spain in front ten minutes later as he collected Xabi Alonso's through ball on the edge of the area, moved past John Terry and Phil Jagielka before placing his finish beyond David James.
Beckham's landmark moment then arrived at the start of the second half, with the former Three Lions skipper stepping off the bench to draw level with Moore as England's most-capped outfield player.
Beckham then picked Wright-Phillips out with a trademark diagonal pass, only for the Manchester City winger to fire into the midriff of Pepe Reina.
And with eight minutes to go the hosts sealed the win. Fernando Llorente, who replaced Fernando Torres in the 64th minute, met Xavi's cross to head past James' replacement Robert Green.
Lineups:
Spain: Iker Casillas (Pepe Reina 46); Sergio Ramos, Raúl Albiol (Carlos Marchena 79), Gerard Piqué, Joan Capdevila (Álvaro Arbeloa 46); Marcos Senna; Xabi Alonso, Xavi Hernández (Dani Güiza 85), Andrés Iniesta; David Villa (David Silva 56), Fernando Torres (Fernando Llorente 64)
England: David James (Robert Green 46); Glen Johnson, John Terry, Phil Jagielka (Matthew Upson 46), Ashley Cole; Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Carrick, Gareth Barry, Stewart Downing (David Beckham 46); Emile Heskey (Peter Crouch 46), Gabriel Agbonlahor (Carlton Cole 79)
Please subscribe to our RSS feed to receive more updates. You can also subscribe by Email and enjoy our latest posts sent directly to your inbox.
Related links:
Team
Post a Comment