Denton and her teammates made improvements after the interval, with Mia Enderby and Katie Robinson both going close with efforts from the flanks.
With five minutes of normal time remaining, a teasing cross from Georgia Mullet found the head of fellow substitute Isobel Goodwin, and she made no mistake from close range as England went in search of a leveller.
Despite late pressure, the Lionesses couldn’t find an equaliser, and they will now turn their attention to Sunday’s clash with Belgium U23s, which will also take place at Murcia Stadium at 12noon BST.
Denton has been nominated for the Young Player of the Year prize at the Women’s Football Awards. You can vote for the defender and find out more information about the awards by clicking HERE!