Reaction: Spain 2-0 England

1. England beaten by reigning European champions
2. Mario Gaspar scores superb volley on turn
3. Cazorla slots in low from edge of box
4. Result: Northern Ireland 1-0 Latvia (Davis)
5. NI's first friendly win in 20 attempts

That's a wrap from us tonight. 

Join BBC News here for the latest from the attacks in Paris. Good night.

Roy Hodgson reaction

England coach Roy Hodgson: "We played against a very good team. It was pretty much as we expected.

"For 70 minutes we held our own and were getting back into it possession-wise.

"But we can't say we were the better team. They were the better team and deserved to win it."

Euro hosts on course

The football in Paris is over with France completing a 2-0 win. 

Andre-Pierre Gignac, who plays his club football in Mexico, got France's second goal after Olivier Giroud's opener.

France are due to play England at Wembley on Monday. But that is clearly not the big news in France tonight.

If you have just tuned in there are reports of a number of attacks in Paris. Read the latest from BBC News here.

Player reaction

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Spain and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas: "We deserved it, we played some outstanding football. We were always attacking.

"We recovered things we were missing at the last World Cup.

"Tonight we proved we can beat anyone because England are a great squad full of quality players.

"The way we played against them showed our football was impressive."

Stade de France latest

Translation: Goal by Gignac. Given the recent events in #Paris outside the stadium but our thoughts are elsewhere.

Follow a BBC News live page on the shootings in Paris here.

Player reaction

England captain and goalkeeper Joe Hart: "It's strange that we played on a Third Division pitch. 

"I'm not making excuses and I might be talking rubbish but I am upset.

"We have played well for a long time and it's difficult when we lose. We need to perform better against France."

Reuters

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas now has 100 clean sheets in international football. Phenomenal!

Belgium live up to #1 billing

France and Germany are still playing with the Euro 2016 hosts leading 1-0 thanks to Arsenal's Olivier Giroud.

Belgium's 3-1 win over Italy is an eye-catcher with Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne among the goalscorers.

Robert Lewandowski's dream season continues with two more goals as Poland came from behind to beat Iceland 4-2, while Slovakia held on to beat Switzerland 3-2 and the Czech Republic enjoyed a good night thanks to a 4-1 win over Serbia.

AFP

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

On a very busy evening in sport, Russia's athletics federation has been provisionally suspended by the sport's governing body for its alleged involvement in widespread doping.

The IAAF took action after the publication of an independent World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada) report that alleged "state-sponsored doping".

IAAF council members voted by 22-1 in favour of Russia being banned.

Its president Lord Coe said: "The message could not be stronger. This has been a shameful wake-up call."

He added: "It is entirely up to Russia to make changes."

Stay across the BBC for all of the reaction to that breaking story.

FULL-TIME

It's all over in the thick fog of Zenica. A good result for the Republic - get all of the reaction here.

FULL-TIME

FULL-TIME

Northern Ireland win a friendly for the first time since 2008!

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

Spain have been the better side, they have been sharper and quicker. The home side have looked more threatening and they are technically superior. It was a great opportunity for England but ended up with a safe, no risk performance.

FULL-TIME

AP

Mario Gaspar's goal was sensational. Check it out. 

HITS THE WOODWORK

Wayne Rooney hits a shot into the turf, it bounces up and hits the top of the crossbar! He never really had that under control but it nearly went in.

Harry Kane then tests Iker Casillas from 20 yards but it's a comfortable save. 

SUBSTITUTION

Reuters

A problem for Manchester United here perhaps as Michael Carrick goes down with an injury and has to come off on a stretcher in the end. Looked like his ankle.

Jonjo Shelvey replaces him for stoppage time. 

GOAL - Bosnia 1-1 Republic of Ireland

Edin Dzeko with the reality check! The former Manchester City man buries a low cross.

Follow the closing stages in Zenica here. 

Into the last few minutes in Alicante. I don't think there can be any complaint with the score.

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De Bruyne on song

Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne has struck for Belgium and they now lead Italy 2-1.

It's de Bruyne's 11th goal of a productive season.

But that record is nothing compared with Robert Lewandowski, who now has 27 goals this term after scoring twice in five minutes to give Poland a 3-2 lead over Iceland.

Switzerland haven't thrown in the towel in Slovakia, pulling two goals back to trail 3-2 going into the last 10 minutes.

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GOAL - Bosnia 0-1 Republic of Ireland

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Massive! What a massive goal this could be. An away goal from Norwich wingerRobbie Bradyas he fires in low from the edge of the box. Through the fog, into the net.

Follow the closing stages of that one here.

GOAL - Wales 2-3 Netherlands

Reuters

Arjen Robben is a brilliant, brilliant player isn't he? He's been doing this for years as he runs away from the defence and slips it home. 

GOAL - Spain 2-0 England

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England are seriously unhappy but Spain double their lead through Santi Cazorla. It's a wonderful finish from the Arsenal man as he curls in from 22 yards, the ball kissing the inside of the post on its way in.

Not so sure what the complaints from Joe Hart were all about - perhaps he thought there was an offside in the build-up. 

It was a la David Platt, but better. A fantastic goal from Mario Gaspar.

England go close now as Harry Kane turns away from his man to shoot wide from an angle.

Wayne Rooney is on for England by the way. 

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The Republic are 15 minutes away from what will be a fine draw in Zenica.

The fog is getting worse and apparently if the game is called off now the teams will play the remaining minutes on Saturday. 

Follow that game here. 

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BreakingBREAKING NEWS

Some serious news to bring you I'm afraid from Paris, where France are playing Germany at the Stade de France.

An attack on a bar in the French capital has caused several casualties, French media report.

A gunman using an automatic gun opened fire at the Cambodge restaurant in the capital's 11th district. BFMTV says at least seven people were injured.

Liberation newspaper says a number of people have been killed. There is no official confirmation.

Another attack - an explosion - is reported to have targeted a bar near the Stade de France.

GOAL - Wales 2-2 Netherlands

Reuters

Pick that one out! Emyr Huws of Huddersfield arrives on a Joe Allen cross and crashes it in, cracking header!

Follow the game here. 

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

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What a finish that is! Incredible! And he meant it. Mario Gaspar was the one that won the ball back and he swiveled on it, before smashing on into the far corner past Joe Hart.

GOAL - Spain 1-0 England

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Oh yes! What a goal that is from Villarreal right-back Mario Gaspar! He has two in two caps now.

Cesc Fabregas chips a ball over the top of the England defence but there doesn't appear too much danger, but Gaspar throws himself at the ball and somehow hooks an acrobatic volley up and over Joe Hart from an angle. Wonderful goal!

Kane feeding off scraps

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Alicante

Reuters

Harry Kane has not had much to go at tonight - but he has still posed the occasional threat.

Been a tough night for Tottenham's striker in many respects but he has done well with what service he has had.

CLOSE!

Great effort from Harry Kane, shoots high and hard from 22 yards out and it whistles just beyond the post.

Twenty minutes left.

Swiss rolled over

Slovakia and Switzerland are both heading for France next summer but it's Slovakia who look in better nick judging by their 3-1 lead over the Swiss in Trnava.

Elsewhere, Poland have equalised to make it 1-1 against Iceland, while Czech Republic now lead Serbia 2-0.

CLOSE!

So close! Wales almost force a leveller as a great cross from the right is screwed wide on the slide by George Williams! Very close indeed.

Follow that Wales game here. 

CLOSE!

That's dangerous from Spain, they work Jordi Alba into space very neatly but his shot at the near post is well saved by Joe Hart. 

Haven't the foggiest

Want to see a man live text a game that he cannot see? Course you do. Join Neil Johnston here as the fog envelops Zenica. 

SUBSTITUTIONS

Tottenham pair Eric Dier and Dele Alli come on for England with half an hour to go. Off go Adam Lallana and Fabian Delph.

For Spain, Juan Mata replaces Diego Costa.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

I am just disappointed with England tonight. Roy Hodgson said there would be conviction and energy. 60 minutes in and we are yet to see any of that.

Nolito twists Kyle Walker into a pretzel and puts a low cross over, Joe Hart does well to punch it out.

GOAL - Wales 1-2 Netherlands

Reuters

You've seen it so many times before. The Dutch send Arjen Robben away down the right, don't let him come inside, don't let him inside. DON'T LET HIM ONTO HIS LEFT FOOT - 2-1. 

Watch that game here. 

GOAL - Northern Ireland 1-0 Latvia

Reuters

He's prolific! Steven Davis cannot stop scoring and the Southampton man sweeps Northern Ireland into a deserved lead. His header is saved but the skipper reacts well to bury the loose ball. 

I was sidetracked by Bosnian fog but you've not missed anything in Alicante.

The fog is really very bad now indeed in Zenica.

Follow the latest from that game here.

Allez Les Bleus

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A case of speaking too soon where France and Germany were concerned with Arsenal's Olivier Giroud striking just before the break to put the home side ahead.

Giroud fired home from close-range in stoppage time thanks to an assist from Manchester United forward Anthony Martial.

Back in play in Wales too - follow that game in full here.

KICK-OFF

Is that fog, or is it smoke? Either way visibility in Zenica is very bad indeed in the second half!

Follow that game in full here.

Bright tempo to the start of the second half but Fabian Delph then gives it away cheaply...

KICK-OFF

And we are back under way in Belfast. 

SUBSTITUTION

A half-time change for Northern Ireland as Roy Carroll comes on in goal. And Corry Evans on in midfield too. 

KICK-OFF

Reuters

Disappointing news for the neutrals as Andres Iniesta is off at half-time. On came Celta Vigo forward Nolito.

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Barkley, Sterling, Kane and Bertrand look a nice little attacking unit! Lallana's had a mare. And people seem to be surprised that Andres Iniesta is better at football than Fabien Delph?

WB

Why on earth has Roy Hodgson picked Delph and Carrick in central midfield? They've had almost zero game time this season and so have no match fitness. Classic England.

From Adam, London.

Not much to see here

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It's a quiet night across the continent so far with Belgium and Italy still drawing 1-1 and no goals in the France v Germany game, which kicked off at 20:00 GMT.

Slovakia have gone 1-0 up against Switzerland, while Gylfi Sigurdsson's penalty still has Iceland 1-0 ahead in Poland and Czech Republic lead Serbia 1-0.

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Paul Lewis: I don't understand the criticism of England not keeping the ball. Spain have 70% possession against every team in the world

Tony Ross: Yet again #bbcfootball pundits and fans down on England. Spain are decent side right? Should we really expect to beat everyone?

Chris Ballett: Despite a quiet game, Sterling is everything I love about football. Pace, technique and understanding in a tidy bundle.

So far, definitely so good for the Republic. A 0-0 draw in the first leg would have to go down as an excellent result.

Don't forget that you can follow that game in full here.

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Reasons to be cheerful?

Maybe not cheerful, but I think England were not too bad in that half. You (or certainly I) expect Spain to dominate but Roy Hodgson said he wanted England to be organised and pose a threat on the break and I think he can tick both of those boxes.

Agree? Or not?

England's passing exposed

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Alicante

PA

Once more England's problems stem from a failure to keep possession - but at least they have reached half-time on level terms.

And there were just one or two signs of attacking life late in the half but not much to get excited about.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

I am disappointed by England. It is a great opportunity to come and play against some of the best players in the world and they have just been shy and sat back. They have been in awe of Spain and they haven't used the ball well when they have had it. The top Spanish players have better technique and don't have to think about their first touch. They will have looked up before getting the ball and know where the pass is going. That is why they are so much better.

Burton boy the hero

They'll be dancing in the streets of Luxembourg tonight following a 1-0 win over Greece.

Burton Albion striker Aurelien Joachim is the hero with an injury-time winner which continues Greece's demise.

The 2004 European champions endured a dismal qualification campaign for Euro 2016 and things are obviously getting no better.

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HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

GOAL - Wales 1-1 Netherlands

Reuters

Some sort of wind up as Joe Allen steps up to take the penalty, his effort is saved but Joe Ledley follows up to score!

PENALTY TO WALES

Handball! That's a penalty...

HALF-TIME

HALF-TIME

So far, so so.

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Agree?

Hang on, lovely football! Fabian Delph, Raheem Sterling and Adam Lallana put together a lovely little triangle of possession just inside the area before Harry Kane scuffs his shot wide from 15 yards out. 

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

Reuters

Any team can win a football match. England may win this but if you play this game 100 times, Spain will win it 95 times. That is the problem.

CLOSE!

Still the ball won't go in! Jonny Evans dives in to meet the ball at the far post but he heads it narrowly wide from six yards out. He took a right clout to the side of the head too. 

SHOT ON TARGET for England and it came from a poor ball from a man in red, a real collector's item. Fabian Delph gobbled it up 30 yards out, took a stride on and hammered a low shot at Iker Casillas. Decent hit. 

AP

Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley are the positives for England so far, they have the legs to get away from Spain and are just a final ball away from hurting them. Adam Lallana is having a really difficult evening as the Liverpool man gives it away yet again.

That was an excellent chance for Kyle Lafferty a few minutes ago. Northern Ireland remain well on top though as Stuart Dallas fires over from a difficult angle. 

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

England are frustrated, they can't get the ball off Spain. When they do get it, they need to use it better. They need to get some crisp passes together to move the Spanish defence.

Reuters

That is encouraging as Ross Barkley gets the ball in the centre-circle and does Sergio Busquets with a lovely turn. He drives in on goal but shoots wide.

Better again from England, Ryan Bertrand crosses, Adam Lallana can't get on it and Harry Kane scuffs a shot straight at Iker Casillas.

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Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

Spain are getting closer and closer. The midfield is very narrow and tight, it is almost 1-2-1-2 in formation, it is very clever. England don't know who to pick up.

GOAL - Wales 0-1 Netherlands

Reuters

Wolfsburg striker Bas Dost has his first goal for his country with a simple header, after Wales had made a fine start.

Follow that game - and watch it too - here.

CLOSE!

Kyle Lafferty is in on goal, first clear cut chance - drags it wide!

CLOSE!

England will have to take the positives where they can, and they are finding gaps on the counter attack every now and again. Invariably it is the pace of Raheem Sterling causing problems. This time Ross Barkley frees the £50m flier down the left, but he can't find Harry Kane in the middle. 

Spain immediately respond and Diego Costa chips an effort wide.

CLOSE!

What a ball! Andres Iniesta picks out Paco Alcacer with a peach of a ball, outside of the foot on the half volley, picturebook stuff. Alcacer of Valencia has six goals in 10 caps but he can't test Joe Hart, shooting wide from the edge of the box. 

England have an ATTACK! It's a decent one too, Fabian Delph finding Raheem Sterling, he plays in Ryan Bertrand on the overlap, Bertrand fires in a dangerous low cross and Harry Kane is very close to turning it home.

Much better from the men in white. 

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Boys v men stuff so far...

SUBSTITUTION

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Strength in depth. Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago has picked up a niggle and on comes Arsenal man Santi Cazorla. 

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And they say friendlies are a waste of time..

CLOSE!

Martin O'Neill will be pretty pleased with the first quarter of the game so far - though the hosts have just gone close, Vesad Ibesivic volleying wide.

Follow that game in full here.

England's early lesson

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Alicante

England are learning very quickly that there is no mileage in giving the ball away because it might take some time to get it back.

Gerard Pique's deflected shot that flew just wide was a prime example. Fabian Delph's pass intended for Raheem Sterling was completely over-hit and exposed England.

Nothing in the way of serious attacking threat from England yet.

CLOSE!

Oooh that is close this time! Spain win a corner through Diego Costa, Sergio Busquets fires in from 18 yards and Marc Bartra is inches away from turning it in.

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Vertonghen on target

Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has scored for Belgium. The world's number-one ranked team are now level at 1-1 with Italy thanks to Vertonghen's first goal of the season.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

It is so difficult to concentrate mentally when you don't have the ball for long periods. When Joe Hart kicks the ball up, England don't even get it for two touches. Then Spain get the ball and the pressure comes back to them all too quickly

Good, fast counter from Wales ends with Tom Lawrence shooting tamely down the middle. 

Watch that match in full in this live page here. 

England goalkeeper Joe Hart kicks the ball long, gives it away. Danny Mills is going to implode in a minute...

CLOSE!

Reuters

First real shot of the night in Alicante as Gerard Pique plays a neat one-two 40 yards from goal, gets the ball back and shoots - the ball takes a big deflection and has Joe Hart beaten - but it drifts just wide! Spain in almost complete control. But is this all part of the plan for England?

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Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

England are not showing any attacking intent. It is so disappointing.

Northern Ireland playing some really nice stuff now. The ball is switched out wide to Jamie Ward on the left of the penalty area, he cracks in a rising drive which is pushed out and Steven Davis can't quite force it home!

England fans cheer on Pique

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Alicante

As mentioned earlier Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique is being roundly jeered by the home fans - and the travelling England support respond by cheering his name.

Tom Lawrence has made a good start for Wales. The Leicester forward is on loan at Blackburn and has had a decent start to the season too.

Follow the Wales game here.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

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England have to be braver. they are far too deep. Ross Barkley has to get onto Sergio Busquets and that will allow them to squeeze up. It is all too easy at the moment for Spain, they're being allowed to pick their pass out.

Sigurdsson is spot-on

The goals have started to go in around Europe.

Italy have gone 1-0 ahead in Belgium thanks to Lazio midfielder Antonio Candreva.

Swansea's Gylfi Sigurdsson has put Iceland 1-0 up from the penalty spot in Poland. And Czech Republic lead Serbia 1-0. 

Chris Smalling cuts out a cross from Thiago but as he stretches to then beat Cesc Fabregas to the loose ball he gets a kick to the shin and winces in pain. They really sting - he'll try and run that off.

The England fans are in their shirt sleeves in the mild Alicante night.

It's been all Northern Ireland so far but a flurry of crosses into the centre have yielded little.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

It is a sharp, energetic start from Spain. England have to change something, they are getting so overrun in midfield. Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas have so much space. Bring Adam Lallana back in.

England make good on that Roy Hodgson promise to counter attack at pace, Ross Barkley switching the ball to Raheem Sterling on the left, he cuts inside and shoots wildly over though. 

The Dutch kept the ball in their own half for the entire first minute, without a Wales man getting near the ball. 'Philosophy'.

Reuters

As we expected, Gerard Pique is booed every time he touches the ball. Is it too late to get him an English passport?

England had a good spell of possession but it came to nothing in the end.

KICK-OFF

A fabulous atmosphere in Zenica in the night's competitive action. 

Follow that match in full here.

A reminder of the starting line-ups:

Spain: Casillas, Mario, Pique, Bartra, Jordi Alba, Busquets, Thiago, Iniesta, Fabregas, Costa, Alcacer. Subs: De Gea, Azpilicueta, Morata, Koke, Pedro, Mata, Nacho, De Marcos, San Jose, Cazorla, Nolito, Sergio Rico. 

England: Hart, Walker, Jones, Smalling, Bertrand, Delph, Carrick, Lallana, Barkley, Sterling, Kane. Subs: Butland, Clyne, Stones, Dier, Cahill, Gibbs, Shelvey, Rooney, Alli, Heaton. 

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni (Italy)

The Dutch all in white get us up and running.

Watch the Wales game here.

KICK-OFF

And game on in Belfast too.

KICK-OFF

No messing about in Alicante. We are under way! A late change to the Spain side, Paco Alcacer in for Koke.

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

Only three England players that start tonight have scored goals. The Spanish team has some fantastic players and if both teams play to their potential, Spain will win. To throw Fabian Delph in tonight, surely he's not match fit? Dele Alli has been magnificent, play him alongside the experience of Michael Carrick.

Sounds like a very decent England following indeed in Alicante. They still can't sing the anthem in time though...

Travelling in style

How did you travel to the game today?

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'We won't stifle Spain'

England manager Roy Hodgson: "The challenge is to be well organised to limit Spain's attacking opportunities. We won't be able to stifle them altogether because they are so good. But we hope to counter-attack when we get the ball. We haven't had the chance to do that against a lot of opposition. We have enough pace, enough skill and enough guile on the pitch to deliver the ball."

Turkey keep trot going

Turkey have secured the first win of the night thanks to a 2-1 victory in Qatar. 

The Turks left it late to qualify for the Euro finals - a late free-kick winner against Iceland taking them through rather than Hungary from the final round of games. 

And they won this one with two goals in the last 20 minutes to keep their impressive run going.

Barcelona's Arda Turan and Cenk Tosun of Besiktas got the goals as Turkey came from behind to beat the hosts for the 2022 World Cup. 

AFP

A great side?

Reuters

It has been 15 games and 17 months since England last tasted defeat, when they failed to qualify from their group at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

The unbeaten run has included a perfect qualifying campaign of 10 wins from 10 games for Euro 2016 which starts in June.

Spain lost just once in qualifying - to Slovakia more than a year ago - but they have also been beaten by France, Germany and the Netherlands in friendly matches since also being knocked out of the 2014 World Cup in the group stages.

Coach Vicente del Bosque said: "England have a team with great potential and are individually very strong.

"Once they have a bit of organisation they will be a great side."

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

It is always good to test yourselves against the best. England have beaten Brazil and Spain in the past in friendlies then when it comes to tournament football, it goes wrong. You never learn too much from friendlies. The first half an hour to 45 minutes will be serious and then the second half peters out

I thought Manchester had the monopoly on this sort of weather - it is absolutely sheeting down in Cardiff.

Almost kick-off time in that one - and you can WATCH it in this page here.

Pique: Problems?

Andy West

Spanish football writer

EPA

The long-standing partnership between Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos and Barcelona's Gerard Pique is one of the most stable aspects of the team, although the former has withdrawn from the current squad with a shoulder injury.

However, Pique has become an enormously controversial character in Spain over the last few months and has been subjected to fearful abuse from his own supporters during recent internationals.

Pique's every touch of the ball has been mercilessly jeered in Spain's recent home games, and initial plans to stage tonight's game at Real's Bernabeu were scrapped to avoid the controversy of 80,000 rabid Madridistas venting their fury at the defender throughout a fixture which comes just one weekend before a Clasico at the same venue.  

Read more from Andy on Spain's troubles here.

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Today we are asking: What are your best friendly moment?

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Is Costa the man?

Andy West

Spanish football writer

The biggest decision facing Vicente Del Bosque is the identity of his team's centre forward, because Chelsea striker Diego Costa has made a wretched start to his international career since being persuaded to switch allegiances from his native Brazil.

Costa has scored only one goal in nine appearances for La Roja - against Luxembourg more than a year ago - and he has also struggled to make much general impact with his rampaging, physical style of play looking utterly unsuited to the team's patient passing approach.

The other options in the current squad are Valencia's Paco Alcacer and Alvaro Morata of Juventus, and their recent international outings have been far more convincing. Alcacer top-scored during qualifying with five goals in eight appearances, while Morata's ability to link play made the team look much more effective.

Quiet one in Zenica?

Reuters

If the pre-match images are anything to go by it promises to be a very, er, engaging atmosphere for the Republic of Ireland away fans tonight...

Follow that game in full here.

What's wrong with Spain?

What's wrong with Spain?! On the face of it, nothing, surely?

But scratch beneath the surface and all is not well in the red corner.

Here's what Spanish football writer Andy West has to say on the matter:

Best of the rest

AP

Poland edged out the Republic of Ireland and Scotland to qualify behind Group D winners Germany for the finals of Euro 2016.

Tonight they should get a decent work-out against an Iceland team that's on a real high after making it to France and their first major tournament finals.

Their squad includes Wales-based players Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea) and Aron Gunnarsson (Cardiff).

Other qualifiers for France in action include Turkey, away to Qatar, Czech Republic, home to Serbia, and Slovakia v Switzerland.

Chilly in Belfast...

Last time we met

PA

Four years ago, almost to the day, world champions Spain rolled into London town to face England with a stellar side containing Xavi, David Villa, David Silva, Andres Iniesta.

Spain dominated possession but they were no match for an England side of Scott Parker, Darren Bent and Glen Johnson, as captain Frank Lampard headed the only goal. 

Can Roy Hodgson pick up a similar smash-and-grab win tonight?

One of the great friendlies that one Dins - or so I believe. I was at a works Christmas do that night, watching Jamiroquai and going on the free dodgems. You could say we were all winners that night.  

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Today we are asking: What are your best friendly moments?

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Best friendly ever, and surely a great game in its own right, Argentina 2 England 3! Little Michael Owen scoring two late goals to win it for us. Still puts a smile on my face thinking of it.

Dins in Plymouth

One man reigns in Spain...

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An Englishman playing for Barcelona. It may never happen again!

The last time England won on Spanish soil, MOTD presenter Gary Lineker scored four times!

Lineker - a Barcelona player at the time - hit all four in a 4-2 win in the Bernabeu.

Harry Kane to go one better tonight?

Why no John Stones?

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Alicante

Everton's Jonn Stones made Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique's "World XI" - but there is no place for him in England's team tonight.

If the central defensive partnership of Chris Smalling and Stones is England's future, then surely this is the game to try it out?

If Phil Jones does not make it as an international footballer, he can't complain about lack of opportunities.

I think there's more chance of seeing Roy Hodgson and Ray Lewington down Benidorm high street in fancy dress than England going gung-ho tonight - but you never, ever know...

Get the shackles off

Danny Mills

BBC Radio 5 live in Alicante

I think Roy Hodgson needs to look at this team and take a few risks. We have seen England be a bit safe and methodical. Now is the time to tell Ross Barkley, 'don't bother defending, do something with the ball and run at them'. It does not matter if England lose, you want to see the shackles off and see the young players do well and prove themselves against the best. Sadly, I very much doubt that will happen.

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Today we are asking: What are your best friendly moments?

Get in touch at #bbcfootball or text in on 81111 (UK only).

Sign him up!

Former Northern Ireland international Gerry Taggart has urged the Irish Football Association to hand manager Michael O'Neill the four-year contract he wants after securing qualification for a major tournament for the first time in 30 years.

The IFA traditionally hands out two-year deals but O'Neill wants an extra two years to take in the 2018 World Cup and Euro 2020 campaigns.

PA

"It's a rebuilding job when the Euros are over. Players like Aaron Hughes and Gareth McAuley are going to retire and Michael will need four years to rebuild the team. What he has done in getting Northern Ireland to France is worth another two years in itself," said Taggart.

"If they do not give him what he wants he can walk away and I don't think he would find it too hard finding another job."

Thoughts?

Team News

Let's hope the Irish FA have put the graphic design budget to good use...

Jonny Evans returns to the Northern Ireland starting line-up as manager Michael O'Neill names a strong side for the friendly with Latvia.

The West Bromwich Albion defender missed the final two Euro 2016 qualifiers against Greece and Finland last month with a hamstring injury.

Conor McLaughlin and Jamie Ward come into the team after being named as substitutes for the draw with Finland.

Injured duo Paddy McNair and Chris Brunt, plus Niall McGinn drop out.

France seek morale booster

They may only be friendlies - the Republic of Ireland's play-off first leg apart - but there are some decent looking ties around Europe tonight. 

Most countries are getting their eye in ahead of Euro 2016 and hosts France - who didn't have to qualify - should get some decent match practice against Germany in Paris.

The sex tape case gripping French football is an unwanted distraction but coach Didier Deschamps will be looking for a positive performance against a German side that topped its qualification group for the Euros, as well as possible revenge for France's defeat in their 2014 World Cup quarter-final .

Barkley's big stage

Phil McNulty

BBC Sport chief football writer in Alicante

Everton's Ross Barkley had the praise of England manager Roy Hodgson ringing in his ears last night - and now he has the chance to impress again against Spain here in Alicante.

Barkley was outstanding against Estonia and Lithuania but must test himself on a tougher stage tonight against a Spain midfield carrying real international pedigree in the likes of Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets.

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC Radio 5 Live

BBC Radio 5 live will also be across all the international football as it unfolds this evening. 

John Murray leads the commentary for England's friendly with Spain in Alicante, alongside Ian Dennis and former England defender Danny Mills. 

They will also have updates from Wales v Netherlands, Northern Ireland v Latvia and Bosnia v Republic of Ireland in their Euro 2016 play-off first leg.

Tune in at the top of the page.

Get Involved

England in Spain, Belgium v Italy, France v Germany, Wales v Netherlands - tonight the friendly gods are living up to their name and serving up some very decent fixtures indeed.

Let's be honest, international friendlies can be dreadful affairs, but we are hopeful of some exciting games tonight in that lot.

PA

I've been trying to do this on the dancefloor ever since...

But what are your most memorable moments from an international friendly? Which games really caught your eye? Who made a sparkling debut? Who had a shocker? Scored a blinder?

PA

One cap, one goal...

Let us know please. You can text us on 81111 (UK Only, NAMES ON TEXTS) or tweet us at #bbcfootball.

O'Neill's French fancies

AP

Northern Ireland play Latvia in a friendly at Windsor Park but this is no making-up-the-numbers exercise.

Don't forget Michael O'Neill's side have also qualified for Euro 2016.

They topped Group F and will head to France to compete in the finals of a tournament for the first time since the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.

Clash of the heavyweights

Belgium will be one of the favourites for Euro 2016 and will face a decent test of their credentials in tonight's friendly against Italy.

Both teams topped their qualification groups for next summer's finals in France and Belgium are the number-one ranked team in the world. Strange, but true. 

Italy tend to reserve their best for when it matters but will doubtless be tough opponents in Brussels where the host country will be missing injured Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany.

Will the play-off pay off?

Tonight also sees a big game for Martin O'Neill and the Republic of Ireland as they face Bosnia-Herzegovina in a play-off for Euro 2016.

This is familiar territory for the Republic, their seventh play-off campaign in the last 19 years with varying degrees of success. 

PA

They cruised past Estonia 5-1 on aggregate to reach Euro 2012 - two years after missing out on a place at the 2010 World Cup after a highly controversial defeat to France. 

Fair to say the Republic will settle for an ugly aggregate win over Bosnia.... as long as all ferries and planes lead to France in seven months' time.

You can follow a separate live page on that game here.

BreakingTeam news

Here's the Spain team - Chelsea pair Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa start. Perhaps they don't get Chelsea games on the TV in Spain?

That's what you call a goal drought...

Bale out of Wales squad

It must be a while since Wales faced the Dutch as the form side - but while Chris Coleman and his boys will be at the party in France next summer, it's a no-show for the men in Orange.

Wales are without forwards Gareth Bale, Hal Robson-Kanu, Sam Vokes and David Cotterill as well as Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey tonight.

That could mean a debut for Walsall striker Tom Bradshaw or a first start for Tom Lawrence, the Leicester forward currently on loan at Blackburn.

Reuters

Arjen Robben is fit again

Netherlands have left striker Robin van Persie out of their squad.

Manchester United's Memphis Depay has been added to the squad having been omitted from the original squad.

There is also a return from injury for captain and Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben.

There is a separate live page on that match here.

A long, long wait...

England may be looking for a first win on Spanish soil since 1987 but that run has nothing on Northern Ireland's form in friendlies.

Bizarrely for a side whose competitive form has been so good recently, Michael O'Neill's team have not won a friendly since March 2008, when they triumphed 4-1 over Georgia at Windsor Park. Twenty matches ago!

BreakingTeam News

England make seven changes from the side which started against Lithuania last time out. Ross Barkley starts behind Harry Kane in attack. But more importantly, Barkley wears the number nine shirt! What is going on...?

England Team: 1 Hart 2 Walker 3 Bertrand 4 Carrick 5 Jones 6 Smalling 7 Lallana 8 Delph 9 Barkley 10 Kane 11 Sterling   

All go in Alicante

Reuters

We could set a world record for fried breakfasts in bars showing episodes of Only Fools & Horses this weekend.

Never mind Barcelona or Madrid, England have chosen the Estadio Jose Rico Perez in Alicante for tonight's friendly with the European champions.

Wayne Rooney is not starting, there's no David Silva or Sergio Ramos, but there are plenty of big names on display on the Costa Blanca this evening...

The English are in town

Getty Images

Never let it be said that the English don't know how to brighten up a holiday spot.

Getty Images

In a frankly wonderful turn of events, it seems that up to 40,000 ex-pats were out in force in the Spanish resort of Benidorm last night, really giving the old town a lift on 'Benidorm Fancy Dress Day.'

Getty Images

If you really used your imagination you could have been forgiven for mistaking it for Wigan on Boxing Night.

And as if that wasn't enough for the local population to enjoy, tonight Roy and his boys are just down the road!

Reuters

Espana, we are really spoiling you this weekend...