England trump Italy

England pulled off their first victory over Italy in 15 years in a friendly on Wednesday, while world champion Spain eased past Puerto Rico 2-1.

Visiting South American giants Argentina and Brazil also notched up comfortable victories over Germany and Sweden.

A stunning Jermain Defoe strike 10 minutes from time handed Roy Hodgson's England a 2-1 win, their first over the Italians since a 2-0 friendly victory in 1997.

It may not, however, make up for the pain of June's Euro 2012 quarter-final defeat on penalties to the same opponents.

England had to come from behind, with Daniele De Rossi heading in to give the Euro 2012 runners-up a 15th-minute lead before Phil Jagielka equalised 12 minutes later with another header.

But just when the match seemed to be petering out to a draw, Defoe finished off a counter-attack led by fellow substitute James Milner before sending a 20-yard shot into Salvatore Sirigu's top-left corner.

"It was a spectacular goal, and a great way to win the game," said Hodgson. "It's something none of us who have watched him play for Tottenham over the years, and have seen the quality he has, are surprised about."

In Bayamon, Santi Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas scored goals in the opening half for world champion Spain, who beat Puerto Rico, stretching their unbeaten streak to 12 straight matches.

In Frankfurt, Argentina, whose World Cup ambitions died in a four-goal thumping at German hands two years ago in South Africa, turned the tables with a 3-1 win, despite Lionel Messi missing a penalty.

Brazil secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Sweden at the soon-to-be demolished Rasunda Stadium, centrepiece of the 1958 World Cup finals the Brazilians won after beating the Swedish hosts 5-2.

In the northern port city of Le Havre, Didier Deschamps’ first game at the French helm ended in a 0-0 stalemate with Uruguay.

Elsewhere, Belgium notched up a 4-2 victory over the Netherlands, Switzerland scored a convincing 4-2 win over Croatia and Scotland saw off Australia 3-1.