Seriously, How Did This England Side Beat Spain Back In 2011?

When it comes to discussing the greatest international teams of all time, Spain's class of 2011 are among the very best.

From Xavi and Iniesta to Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique, this incredibly talented group achieved it all - except a predictably routine win over a distinctly average England side at Wembley back in 2011.

Vicente del Bosque's Spain struggled to deal with the likes of Darren Bent and Scott Parker, as a typical Frank Lampard goal in the 49th minute sealed a shock victory over the then World and European champions.

Joleon Lescott 'gave his finest England performance alongside his former Everton team-mate Phil Jagielka', while Capello, who missed his son's wedding in Milan to take charge of the game, looked on, surprised at how well the team coped with Xavi and co.

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Here's those line-ups for England vs Spain back in November 2011:

England: Hart, Glen Johnson, Lescott, Jagielka, Cole, Walcott (Downing 46), Jones (Rodwell 56), Parker (Walker 85), Milner (Adam Johnson 76), Lampard (Barry 56), Bent (Welbeck 63).

Subs Not Used: Carson, Baines, Cahill, Terry, Zamora, Sturridge, Stockdale.

Spain

Spain: Casillas (Reina 46), Arbeloa, Pique, Sergio Ramos (Puyol 74), Jordi Alba, Busquets (Torres 64), Alonso, Xavi (Fabregas 46), Iniesta (Santi Cazorla 74), Silva (Mata 46), Villa.

Subs Not Used: Valdes, Albiol, Monreal, Llorente, Jesus Navas.

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Phil Jones may have anchored the midfield before Jack Rodwell replaced him after 54 minutes, but England managed to hold on and record a 'memorable' 1-0 win against the European and World champions.

What a time to be alive.

H/T: DreamTeamFC

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

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