England's Frank Lampard in action.

A Frank Lampard goal in the 49th minute was enough to secure an upset 1-0 win for England over world and European champions Spain in an international soccer friendly on Saturday.

The usually sublime Spaniards struggled to match their elite billing as Lampard's second-half goal condemned the visitors to just their second defeat in 10 matches.

Lampard's winner came 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.

Lampard paid tribute to England's team spirit but said the squad were keeping their feet on the floor.

"For everyone it is a lift, but we have to be realistic. We know they dominated the game for long periods," Lampard said.

"We won't be shouting from the rooftops. We understand football.

"We are not quite where we want to be just yet, but to beat a side like Spain is something we can definitely build upon."

It is the fourth time Spain have lost in a friendly since their World Cup triumph in 2010, following on from defeats against Italy, Portugal and Argentina.

However, Del Bosque denied his team had taken England lightly.

"I don't think it's a case of us approaching these games in too relaxed a manner," Del Bosque said. "We're not complacent.

"Yes, we've had four defeats, but I don't think we've taken any of these games lightly. You could see the intensity that the Spanish players played with tonight. We played at 100 percent, at full pace.

"England only got near our goal with one chance from the free-kick. We dominated the game to a great degree."