Spain 1-0 England

International Friendly
7.00pm (GMT), Wednesday 16 November 2004
Estadio Municipal el Val, Alcala de Henares 

Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas gave England a taste of how difficult it is to win in Madrid as he scored the winner for Spain’s Under 21 side on a frustrating night for Peter Taylor’s men.

The Gunners hero came off the bench to thump home a volley from a 63rd minute corner and put the pressure on David Beckham and Co. as they prepare to take on the senior side tomorrow.

To make matters worse, Chelsea defender Glen Johnson then received his second booking of the night – for clapping a decision - and was harshly sent off by German referee Franz Xaver Wack.

It could have been worse in the end because classy Fabregas also went close with a second chance. And although there were positive debuts for Crystal Palace’s Ben Watson and Wayne Routledge, and a nice cameo from Stewart Downing, it was not a night to remember for the Three Lions.

Peter Taylor was hit by the absence of key players such as Jermaine Pennant, Gary O’Neil, Leighton Baines and Jon Stead, who all pulled out in the build-up to the match because of injury. But he refused to be downhearted.

He said: “I’ve got beat in friendlies before, so that’s OK – it’s qualification games that count. It wasn’t the result that was a problem for me, it’s just that we can perform a lot better than we did.

“There were changes that had to be made and it was like a pre-season friendly for us. I don’t think it was about the result, it was a chance to introduce new people to the squad.

“I was really pleased with Michael Dawson, he looks a really good player. He’s been excellent in the two days we’ve been together. And I was very pleased with Justin Hoyte, he did some good things for us in the first half.

“Ben Watson came in and did well in the first time he’s been involved with England at any level. It was more difficult for Wayne Routledge because we were down to 10 men but I’ve been very impressed with him in training. So there are positives.”

All the injuries meant Taylor had to make changes to the side that played against Azerbaijan in England’s last competitive match – but even then there were a few surprises.

He chose to leave Downing on the bench, playing Darren Ambrose and James Milner on the wings instead, and brought Arsenal’s Justin Hoyte into midfield.

Darren Bent was given his first start, after an outstanding run of performances as a substitute for the Three Lions – and he was partnered by Carlton Cole.

England knew they would be in for a difficult night against a highly technical Spain side who currently sit second in their qualifying group for the UEFA European Under 21 Championships.

The first half was largely devoid of action in either penalty area as both teams tried to work each other out, but you always knew it was going to be tight.

Hoyte did have a half-chance for England when a Milner cross was flicked on and his volley flew wide.

Bent also caused problems on the break, but Spain defended solidly and were patient enough not to become frustrated.

Taylor tried to pep things up at half-time by bringing on Crystal Palace youngster Ben Watson for his England debut, replacing Daniel Harding.

Watson immediately provided some drive in midfield and was soon joined by Selhurst Park teammate Wayne Routledge – also for his Under 21 debut.

But the changes didn’t make the kind of impact Taylor was hoping for, because it was Spain who grew in confidence, even when highly-rated Downing joined the fray.

Jesus Navas tested England keeper Lee Camp, brought on in the second half, with a snap-shot that had to be turned around the post. And then Spain made the breakthrough when a corner from the left was smashed home on the volley by Arsenal’s Fabregas – himself a substitute brought on for the second half.

Things went from bad to worse for Taylor’s men when Chelsea’s Johnson, already booked in the first half, received a second yellow after 66 minute for clapping the referee.

“I’m not saying Glen should do that but it’s disappointing for the referee to send him off in a friendly. It was a wee bit harsh,” said Taylor.

It was the second time the defender has been sent off in his England career, and it left the Three Lions with a mountain to climb.

Downing did his best to try and grab an unlikely draw, firing narrowly wide after one fine run and fizzing a free-kick just wide of the post with six minutes to go.

Bent also came mighty close to getting on the end of a Cole through-ball, but Spain were not to be denied.

Camp had to be alert to keep out an effort from Spanish captain Iniesta and England’s frustration was completed by the final whistle.

Spain U21s
Riesgo, Ramos Sergio, Pena, Jarque, Carlos Garcia, Zapater, Prieto, Gabi, Garcia Sergio, Iniesta, Santi Cazorla.
Subs: Ruben Martinez, Vitolo, Fabregas, Hector Font, Arizmendi, Navas, Melli, Ramis.

Goals: Fabregas 63

England U21s
Carson (Camp 46), Johnson, Dawson (Davenport 77), Hunt (Ridgewell 77), Harding (Watson, 45), Ambrose (Routledge 56), Hoyte, Whitingham, Milner (Downing 56), Bent, Cole.
Subs not used: Turnbull.