THE one thing fans will not forgive England for is a lack of the bulldog spirit.

That's why boos rained down on Old Trafford as the final whistle blew last night.

England produced another timid performance which has typified the national side over the last few years.

It was like an evening stroll for Steve McClaren's side who failed to create a moment of excitement or danger after forcing Iker Casillas into a double save in the opening minutes.

When Spain went ahead, it should have been the cue for England to roll up their sleeves and pressure the visitors.

But, instead of going a goal down signalling an increase in tempo and determination, it was met by a total lack of spark, creativity or desire to get back into the game.

Spain won at a canter with England's only positives coming in defence where Jonathan Woodgate looked international class alongside the equally imperious Rio Ferdinand and Ben Foster impressed in goal on his debut. In midfield, the combination of Steve Gerrard and Frank Lampard added weight to the long held argument that they cannot perform effectively together and the plan of playing Shaun Wright-Phillips and Kieron Dyer off Peter Crouch failed miserably.

If last night's powder-puff performance proved one thing, it was how much England miss the power, pace, skill and winning mentality of Wayne Rooney.

Second half substitute Micah Richards showed the way with determined running and pressuring of defenders.

If this is how seriously the players take international friendlies, they can't complain about there being so many empty seats at Old Trafford.