Spain reaffirmed their status as the world’s best team after cruising to victory against an off-colour England. The European champions stretched their unbeaten run to 29 games as David Beckham equalled Bobby Moore’s outfield record of 108 England caps. But David Villa and Fernando Llorente netted as Spain spoiled Beckham’s big night.Villa’s sublime first-half strike set the tone for a comfortable evening and Llorente’s late header capped off a routine win as England wilted in Seville.

Beckham had to wait to make history – Fabio Capello started with him on the bench and opted for Manchester City winger Shaun Wright-Phillips instead.

The former captain was conspicuous by his early absence until the Aston Villa connection caught the eye. Gareth Barry sent a sublime cross from the left and Gabriel Agbonlahor met it on the volley but his attempt bounced wide of Iker Casillas’ goal.

Villa definitely impressed in the first half – only it was the Spanish one who was on form.

The Euro 2008 golden boot winner sensationally opened the scoring for the Spanish 10 minutes before the break after he weaved his way though a static England defence and coolly clipped the ball past David James.

It was his sixth successive goal in international football, showing just why Manchester City are so eager to lure him away from Valencia. Phil Jagielka, in only his second appearance for his country, was turned inside out by the diminutive striker and fell flat on his backside as Villa wheeled away in celebration.

The European champions took a while to find their feet and Villa’s superb finish undoubtedly lit up a quiet first-half.

For all their endeavour, England looked toothless up front as lone striker Emile Heskey struggled once again to trouble the scoresheet. He was unlucky midway through the first half after he was wrongly ruled offside when clear through on goal.

Beckham replaced Stewart Downing at the start of the second half to earn the cap he craved and while the country debates whether he deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Moore, Beckham had more important things on his mind as he tried to drag his side back into the game.

The LA Galaxy star, on-loan at AC Milan, whipped in a vicious free-kick that called substitute Pepe Reina into action as England tried to find some rhythm.

He then sent a raking 50-yard ball across to Wright-Phillips but he could only fire tamely at Reina. While the former Real Madrid ace’s haul of caps undoubtedly hit the headlines, Carlton Cole took his first steps on the international stage for the senior side.

The West Ham striker has impressed under Gianfranco Zola this season and was unlucky not to have netted a debut goal but Carlos Marchena cleared his effort off the line following a brilliant ball by Beckham.

But by then the damage had been done as Xavi, by far the best player on the pitch, curled in a delightful cross to Llorente, who nodded powerfully past substitute Rob Green to give Spain a deserved second.