Spain end England’s 15-match unbeaten run

Mario Gaspar scored a stunning acrobatic volley as Spain ended England’s 15-match unbeaten run in merciless fashion in Alicante last night.

Despite having his back to goal, the Spain right-back managed to beat Joe Hart with a flying volley from Cesc Fabregas’ pass.

It was a wonderful goal worthy of winning any match, but Santiago Cazorla made sure of the 2-0 win eight minutes from time.

England, who started with Wayne Rooney on the bench, held their own for much of the first half. Ryan Bertrand and Raheem Sterling impressed down the left, but eventually Roy Hodgson’s men crumbled under intense pressure and Spain ran out deserved winners.

Hodgson’s men had the chance to prove they were capable of going toe to toe with Europe’s best, but they came up short.

The Spanish dominated possession from the first whistle and England – who had midfielder Michael Carrick stretchered off – did not help themselves by giving the ball away regularly.

Their run may have been impressive, but on this evidence Hodgson’s side have a long way to go before they can call themselves European Championship contenders.

It was clear from kick-off that Gerard Pique’s declaration he supported independence for Catalonia had not gone down well with the vast majority of Spain fans.

Every time the Barcelona defender touched the ball, whistles and boos rang out around inside the Estadio Jose Rico Perez.

Santi Cazorla, left, is mobbed after making it 2-0 to Spain.