Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has cautioned his players that their past successes, including World Cup and European Championship wins, will not guarantee them a victory against England in their UEFA Nations League opener at Wembley Stadium. In an interview with UEFA, De la Fuente emphasized the need for his team to improve on their previous performances and match England's motivation to secure a positive result.
De la Fuente described England as "the perfect opposition" for Spain to face after their World Cup triumph, highlighting the motivation that comes with playing against a top national team at Wembley Stadium. He stressed that the occasion itself should provide sufficient motivation for his players, saying that England are a great national team that will pose a tough test for Spain.
The 65-year-old coach noted that Spain will approach the fixture as the beginning of a new chapter, despite their recent success. He expressed confidence in his team's mentality, saying they will be incredibly focused from the outset, with a goal to achieve and a focus on the present moment. De la Fuente recalled working with members of the current generation from the youth ranks and noted that the players remain hungry for more success.
De la Fuente pointed to the journey that has brought Spain to this point, including their World Cup win, and said the players immediately turned their attention to their next challenge. He recalled a conversation with a player who asked what more there was to win, and replied that the next game against England was the next target. This mentality, he said, is what drives the team to continue pursuing glory and achievements.
De la Fuente also emphasized the need for Spain to match the motivation of their opponents, who now have an additional incentive in facing the world champions. He said Spain must focus on what they can control and use their opponents' motivation to drive themselves. The coach stressed that if Spain can match England's level of motivation and desire, they will be closer to winning.
The coach's approach to the game is built on continuous improvement, rather than dwelling on previous achievements. He recalled his message to the squad after winning the 2023 Nations League, emphasizing the need to build on their strengths and do things better. De la Fuente said Spain's success in recent years has been built on this approach, which has allowed them to constantly improve and learn.
The UEFA Nations League Group A3 opener between England and Spain will take place at Wembley Stadium on September 26, 2026, at 7:45pm UK time (7:45pm WAT). The return fixture is scheduled for November 15, 2026, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, also at 7:45pm WAT.
Key points
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente warns against complacency ahead of England clash.
