So, I didn't watch the match last night, what was it like? Is there a nagging suspicion that Spain are Barcelona without Messi to provide that extra bit of magic that can be needed to unlock a mean defence? Of course they are World and European champions so they are doing something right?
It was like an Arsenal vs Stoke match, with Spain as Arsenal and England as Stoke. Not a brilliant analogy, but what I mean is Spain were very attractive and polished but wanted to score the perfect goal (and ultimately didn't), whereas England defended stubbornly (employing the seldom used 9-0-1 formation for much of the time) and nicked a goal from a set-piece.
I wasn't really giving it my full attention, but I'd say Scott Parker was the stand-out England player, not only did he tackle well but also judiciously, not throwing himself in unnecessarily. I really hope he doesn't get dropped for Gerrard or Barry come the Euroes, though I suspect he might. Lescott and Jagielka defended well too, the arch-racist Terry was not missed. Everyone else was pretty anonymous.
I think Spain could have gone up another gear if they'd wanted, but they weren't as penetrative as you'd expect. No Pedro, though, and the 'Best Player In The Premiership' (TM) David Silva was fairly ineffective in his place. They then brought on loads of subs after going behind which muddied the picture somewhat. I would still take them to win if they meet England in the Euroes.