Football: England sucker-punch downs Spain

LONDON: England scored an upset 1-0 victory over world champions Spain, with stand-in captain Frank Lampard heading the only goal of the game. Spain, who had not lost to England for 10 years, dominated possession and territory but were frustrated by a superb English defensive effort. Lampard’s winner came on 49 minutes when the Chelsea midfielder headed in from close range after Darren Bent’s effort from a James Milner free-kick spun back off the post. “Chelsea winning the league for the first time is up there but captaining England and getting the winning goal against the world champions is right up there as well,” said a delighted Lampard.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 14^th,  2011.