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England 1-0 Spain: Daily Mirror player ratings

Published 22:00 13/11/11 By John Cross

How did the England players rate against Spain?

ENGLAND:

Joe Hart: Made a good save late on from Cesc Fabregas’s deflected shot. Could not have expected to have kept a clean sheet against Spain. 7

Glen Johnson: Strong showing from the Liverpool man. Full of energy, demonstrating just how determined he is to fight for the right-back slot. 7

Phil Jagielka: Superb. Solid as a rock in central defence. If the Everton star was troubled by his broken toe then did not show it at all. 8

Joleon Lescott: His best display in an England shirt to date. Has really grown in the Manchester City back four this season, and proved he can perform at this level. 8

Ashley Cole: Gave the ball away a bit too easily in the first half, but was committed, solid and never gave up. His understanding with Milner can improve. 7

Scott Parker: Brilliant man of the match performance. Courageous and hard-working, he kept possession well and refused to allow Spain to get past him. 9

Phil Jones: Decent in flashes but his long-term future for England will surely be at centre-half. Good on the ball and showed composure. 7

Frank Lampard: What a night for England’s stand-in captain. His prolific goal-scoring run continues and proved he has so much more to offer. 7

Theo Walcott: The Arsenal winger was quiet in the first half, although showed some good early touches. Substituted at half time. His pace such an asset. 6

James Milner: Failed to link up with Ashley Cole on the left. But his work rate and industry always saw him through. Won and took the free-kick for the winner. 6

Darren Bent: Cut a bit of a lonely figure at times, up front on his own. But put in the effort and was rewarded when his header paved the way for England’s goal. 7

Stewart Downing (for Walcott 46) 6

Jack Rodwell (Jones 57)...................7

Gareth Barry (Lampard 57).............6

Danny Welbeck (Bent 64)...............7

Adam Johnson (Milner 76)..............6

Kyle Walker (Parker 85)

SPAIN:

Iker Casillas: Barely had a thing to do as he equalled Spain’s caps record – the 126 total set by fellow keeper Andoni Zubizaretta. Subbed after easy 45 mins. 6

Alvaro Arbeloa: The former Liverpool defender was given a few tough moments and does not look in the same class as some of his team-mates. 6

Sergio Ramos: Surely a better rampaging right- back than centre-half. The Real Madrid man did OK, but was occasionally rattled and deservedly booked. 6

Gerard Pique: The pick of Spain's defence. The one-time Manchester United player showed good pace and was usually on hand to stop England’s rare attacks. 7

Jordi Alba: The 22-year-old Valencia left-footer is one of the best young talents emerging in Spain’s set-up, and was given a few tests down his flank. 6

Sergio Busquets: Some of his distribution was not up to the very high standard set by the World and European champs. A decent enough game but not his best. 7

Xavi: His passing was superb. Everything comes through him and his control, vision and creativity was a joy. Just missing the killer pass. 8

Xabi Alonso: Impressed even in this exalted company. Why oh why did Liverpool sell him? He is clearly an outstanding, classy midfielder. 7

Andres Iniesta: Good vision and range. Plenty of creativity and, like his Barcelona pal Xavi, so rarely loses possession. A magnificent midfielder. 8

David Silva: Busy and lively throughout. Clearly the Manchester City talisman is desperate to step up and show that he should be a regular for Spain. 7

David Villa: Failed to bring his A game to Wembley. An amazing 50 goals in 81 games for Spain tells it’s own story, but he was off target against England. 7

Pepe Reina (for Casillas 46)............6

Juan Mata (Silva 46).........................6

Cesc Fabregas (Xavi 46)...................7

Fernando Torres (Busquets 64).....6

Santi Cazorla (Iniesta 74)................6

Carles Puyol (Ramos 74).................6

England 1-0 Spain: Daily Mirror match report

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