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England manager Roy Hodgson saw his youthful side face their first formidable opponents in months on Friday night and they came up short.
The reigning European champions Spain showed their class against an away side who only ever threatened on the counter-attack, especially during a first-half where Vincente Del Bosque's men dominated the play.
Ross Barkley was England's brightest outlet but he was often powerless when up against the commanding presence of Sergio Busquets. Marc Bartra, playing alongside his Barcelona teammate Gerard Pique, performed admirably.
Mario Gaspar's broke the deadlock late in the second-half with a stunning acrobatic volley that left England captain-for-the-night Joe Hart helpless.
Spain doubled their lead six minutes from time through Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, whose swept a low finish into the bottom left-hand corner.
Did any England players come out of the defeat with credit? Take a look at our ratings to find out...
Show all 22 1 /22Spain vs England player ratings Spain vs England player ratings Iker Casillas - 6 out of 10 Rarely troubled and equal to all that was asked of him. Will need to be tested further to justify his selection over David de Gea.
Spain vs England player ratings Mario Gaspar – 8 out of 10 Two international goals in two caps for the novice Villarreal right-back. Staked his claim for a regular starting berth even before his wonderful late strike.
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Spain vs England player ratings Jordi Alba – 6 out of 10 Often found space down England’s right-hand side but could not make use of the opportunity. Overshadowed by the performance of Mario on the other flank.
2015 Manuel Queimadelos Alonso
Spain vs England player ratings Gerard Pique – 7 out of 10 Still whistled by the stands in Alicante but remained typically composed, especially when carrying the ball out from the back. An invaluable presence in defence.
Spain vs England player ratings Marc Bartra – 8 out of 10 Commanding in his own box, lively in England’s. Should have diverted Busquets’ first half effort home, was almost slipped through on goal after the break.
2015 The FA
Spain vs England player ratings Sergio Busquets – 7 out of 10 The Barcelona enforcer marshalled the middle of the park despite Barkley sometimes causing a nuisance. Particularly stood out when compared with England’s holding midfield options.
2015 The FA
Spain vs England player ratings Cesc Fabregas – 7 out of 10 Sometimes disjointed in possession but seemed relieved to be playing in red rather than blue. A wonderful through pass immediately after the goal deserved better.
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Spain vs England player ratings Thiago Alcantara - 7 out of 10 Spain’s coming man looked bright with precise and intricate passing until being forced off with an injury. Will soon be the heart of this side.
Spain vs England player ratings Andreas Iniesta – 8 out of 10 All of Spain’s early dominance came through the Barcelona midfielder. Typically delightful with the ball, he stood out in the first half. Unfortunate to be subbed.
Spain vs England player ratings Paco Alcacer – 6 out of 10 Saw a shot flash wide of Hart’s post before the break. Spain’s leading scorer during their qualification campaign was otherwise disappointingly quiet on the night.
Spain vs England player ratings Diego Costa – 5 out of 10 The Chelsea man was livelier than he has been at Stamford Bridge this term but still blunt in front of goal. Replaced by Juan Mata.
2015 Manuel Queimadelos Alonso
Spain vs England player ratings Joe Hart - 6 out of 10 Captained the side in absence of Rooney and had little to do in the opening half. Watched Pique shot deflect wide but helpless with either goal.
Spain vs England player ratings Kyle Walker - 6 out of 10 Kept place from qualifier in Lithuania and took every opportunity to get forward. Too easily beaten by Nolito and out of position for second.
2015 Getty Images
Spain vs England player ratings Phil Jones - 5 out of 10 Preferred ahead of Josh Stones. Got back well to dispossess Alcacer and stuck to task well but as with rest of visiting side was eventually overwhelmed.
2015 Getty Images
Spain vs England player ratings Chris Smalling - 6 out of 10 Has been in superb form for club and cut out a number of crosses. Enjoyed physicality of battle with Costa but could only stand and admire opener.
Spain vs England player ratings Ryan Bertrand - 6 out of 10 Southampton man got forward well and sent in some dangerous crosses that England failed to benefit from. Pegged back as hosts moved up a gear.
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Spain vs England player ratings Michael Carrick - 5 out of 10 Starved of possession and unable to make meaningful impact. Showed his age as Spanish counterparts whizzed around him. Off injured late on
2015 Getty Images
Spain vs England player ratings Fabian Delph - 6 out of 10 Surprising pick for a first start in two months. Sloppy in possession at times and overhit passes. Sent shot straight at Casillas and taken off on hour.
2015 Getty Images
Spain vs England player ratings Raheem Sterling - 6 out of 10 Shot carlessly over after making space for himself on left of area in opening minutes. Caused problems with pace but well policed by home defence.
2015 Getty Images
Spain vs England player ratings Ross Barkley - 7 out of 10 Twice sent weak shots wide after promising runs. One of few England players that appeared comfortable in possession and kept defenders occupied.
Spain vs England player ratings Adam Lallana - 5 out of 10 Liverpool winger struggled to press claims for regular starting place, regularly ceding the ball. Replaced by Eric Dier shortly after the hour mark.
Spain vs England player ratings Harry Kane - 6 out of 10 Failed to meet cross and wasted move with weak finish. Little to work with and powered wide after break but off pace overall. Shot saved in final minute.
2015 Manuel Queimadelos Alonso
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