England vs. Spain: 6 Observations Made Live on La Furia Roja

On the 12th of November 2011, England entertained world and European champions Spain at Wembley Stadium in a glamorous international friendly.

In what turned out to be a memorable match for the 87,000 attendees, the reigning World Cup winners were tamed by the English lions' determined defensive display.

Despite playing their usual possession football, Spain were unable to make the breakthrough and came away with an unfamiliar loss.

I was lucky enough to attend the game as a Bleacher Report representative. Here are my observations live from the game.

Enjoy the slideshow!

Standard Spain, but a Twist in the Script

Ball possession figures were expected to be heavily in Spain’s corner, but at one point, the 79 percent retention represented a real embarrassment for the England internationals out there.

There was one crucial difference, though. Spain didn’t put the ball in the back of the net—something they very rarely fail to do.

It is well documented that Spain take their foot off the gas when the outcome doesn’t matter, but this was one of the most prestigious friendlies your likely to see for a long time.

It was a testament to England’s defence that they halted Spain’s attacking prowess on the 18-yard line and allowed them to go no further. 

No Final Ball

Where did Spain go wrong tonight? They played as they always do. They turned up, kicked off and proceeded to rarely give the ball back to England. How is it they lost?

There was no killer ball for Spain. David Villa had a poor game and was left unable to terrorise England’s central defensive pairing. David Silva was tidy on the ball but turned out a performance that wasn’t even close to his best.

Phil Jagielka and Joleon Lescott were formidable and let nothing through. The former made at least six crucial blocks. Perhaps he knows his teammate's game inside out?

The Secret to Success

I’ve never had the opportunity to watch Spain’s beautiful tiki-taka football live until now. It was truly a sight to behold and when you watch them from a stadium, and it’s easier to understand why they are so good on the ball.

All professional midfielders can handle pressure and can pass a ball. What sets Spain apart is their ability to part with the ball at the last possible moment, consistently wrong-footing or flummoxing defenders.

It’s hard to get a foot in their way because they release the ball so late, yet with the same precision as if they had the ball easily within their stride.

England tried it and failed. Ashley Cole and James Milner misplaced several passes early in the game whilst trying to make a last-minute action. Spain are the only ones who can do it.

Sergio Ramos Is a Good Centre-Back

Vicente del Bosque has been professing Sergio Ramos’ ability at central defence despite his regular role as a Real Madrid right-back.

He sees Ramos as the long-term successor to the titanic Carles Puyol and tonight he performed admirably.

We could well see the Gerard Pique/Sergio Ramos partnership for many games to come, with the likes of Raul Albiol and Carlos Marchena seemingly out of the picture for good.

Spain Don't Have a Plan B

When Spain are 1-0 down in the 87^th minute, you won’t see them hoofing the ball up to the recently sent-on Fernando Llorente in an attempt to force a late equaliser.

What you will see is Spain continue to plug away in their slow, patient manner despite the fact time is against them.

Do they have a Plan B? No. Moving Gerard Pique five yards further forward as an attacking solution is not an effective strategy. They have some big guys on the bench and they might want to think about utilising those if they are behind,

Then again, they are the world and European champions for a reason.

No Attacking Incision

For all the intricate and neat passing, Spain possessed no cutting edge.

Sure, David Villa left his shooting boots at home, but there was an eerie pedestrian manner with which Spain played, as if they were under the impression whoever kept the ball the longest won.

Not sure if it's to do with the fact that it's a friendly or Vicente del Bosque's tactics, but Spain didn't possess the attacking incisiveness Barcelona do with playing the similar styles of football.

Spain play their own football and don't just replicate Barcelona, but Spanish fans might be concerned at the lack of vertical play.