FRANK Lampard's second-half strike secured England a surprise success over world and European champions Spain at Wembley this evening.

Lampard tapped home from close range four minutes after the interval to earn Fabio Capello's side a creditable victory over a Spain side widely regarded as the best in the world at the moment.

The Chelsea midfielder, who skippered the side in the absence of club mate John Terry, was in the right place at the right time after Darren Bent's header had hit the upright Spain dominated possession throughout, but save for a David Villa that struck the post with 17 minutes left, the reigning World Cup winners rarely threatened Joe Hart's goal.

Instead, England proved they are capable of defending effectively without either Terry or Rio Ferdinand, who have been the linchpins of the back four for so long.

As expected, Spain showcased their slick close-range passing style, retaining the ball for lengthy periods and patiently probing for a breach in the England backline.

To their opponents' credit, none arrived, and Joe Hart only really had to make one first-half save of note, clutching the ball at his near post to deny David Silva.

The visitors only got behind the English defence once, and while Sergio Busquets did well to latch on to Xabi Alonso's floated through ball, his first-time volley flew well over the crossbar.

Perhaps understandably, England's first-half attacking threat was even more limited. Theo Walcott threatened down the right-hand side on a couple of occasions, but the hosts' only effort on goal was a long-range effort from Frank Lampard that Iker Casillas saved comfortably.

However, the complexion of the game changed entirely as England claimed an unexpected lead four minutes after the interval.

Darren Bent had barely touched the ball in the first half, but the former Sunderland striker rose highest to head James Milner's free-kick against the right-hand post.

The ball rebounded kindly for Lampard, who had the simplest of tasks to stab into an unguarded net from no more than four yards.

Spain almost responded immediately, but while David Villa beat the offside trap to race on to Busquets' through ball, he could only find the side netting from an acute angle after going round Joe Hart.

Villa came even closer in the 73rd minute, striking the base of the right-hand post with Hart beaten. The Barcelona striker controlled a weak Glen Johnson header on chest, and drilled an acrobatic half-volley against the upright.

Spain continued to dominate possession throughout the second half, but England offered a sporadic threat on the counter-attack and Jordi Alba was forced into an excellent last-ditch tackle to prevent Jack Rodwell fashioning a shooting opportunity from ten yards out after excellent interplay between the Everton midfielder and fellow substitute Danny Welbeck.

However, it was the visitors that fashioned the best opening late on, with substitute Cesc Fabregas side-footing past the right-hand post from ten yards out after Villa's run and cross had unlocked the England backline.

ENGLAND (4-2-3-1): Hart; G Johnson, Jagielka, Lescott, Cole; Jones (Rodwell 56), Parker (Walker 85); Walcott (Downing 46), Lampard (Barry 57), Milner (A Johnson 76), Bent (Welbeck 63).

Subs (not used): Carson (gk), Stockdale (gk), Baines, Cahill, Terry, Zamora, Sturridge.

SPAIN (4-3-3): Casillas (Reina 46); Ramos (Puyol 74), Pique, Arbeloa, Alba; Busquets (Torres 64), Xavi (Fabregas 46), Alonso; Iniesta (Cazorla 74), Villa, Silva (Mata 46).

Subs (not used): Valdes (gk), Albiol, Monreal, Navas, Llorente.