Hodgson concern over Carrick

“The assessment of the result is it is obviously disappointing to lose”, said Hodgson.

“I don’t think it will be right for us at this moment in time, because we’ve lost this game against a better team, to suddenly start thinking we can’t do it and we can’t compete”.

“Even though the best side won the game, I don’t think we were in any way embarrassed”.

“We use counter-attacks with our very quick forwards and use that weapon, if you like”.

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“Wayne’s a world-class player”, added Kane.

And it was the visitors who had the first two openings, but neither Raheem Sterling nor Barkley could find the target when well-placed on the edge of the box.

Gerard Pique resumed the role of boo-boy for a section of Spain supporters – the Barcelona centre-back’s goading of Real Madrid and support for Catalan independence lying at the heart of the discontent.

“It is just about staying positive now for the game on Tuesday”.

However, Vicente del Bosque’s men suffered a blow when Thiago Alcantara hobbled off with a knee injury midway through the half to be replaced by Cazorla.

Spain dominated possession in typically stylish fashion for long periods in Alicante but Hart, who conceded he was unhappy with his clearance in the build-up to Spain’s 84th-minute second goal, felt the pitch at the home of Segunda Division B team Heracles left much to be desired.

Spain controlled possession and had most of the significant scoring chances throughout the match at the Jose Rico Perez Stadium.

Carrick was taken off in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of the friendly against Spain in Alicante with an ankle injury.

After a lofted pass by Cesc Fabregas in the 71st minute, Gaspar swiveled his body and struck a right-footed acrobatic volley into the top corner past England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who could only watch it fly over his outstretched arms.

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla was set up by fellow substitute Nolito to send an unerring strike into the bottom corner six minutes from time, lending the scoreline a fair reflection of the home side’s dominance.

Ten straight wins in qualifying for Euro 2016 were followed by a clear 2-0 defeat by Spain on Friday – the first occasion England played one of Europe’s leading nations.