MADRID: Spain coach Luis de la Fuente will not allow the World Cup winners to rest on their laurels as they return to action this week for the first time since their triumph.
La Roja may have conquered Europe in 2024 and then the world this summer, but when they face England in the Nations League on Saturday, they will be seeking to improve.
De la Fuente said in the aftermath of the World Cup final victory over Argentina in New Jersey in July that he was already looking to the future.
The 65-year-old signed a contract extension earlier this week, keeping him with the team until 2032.
“In the heat of the moment, two or three minutes later, a player came up to me and said, ‘What do we still have to win?’ Well, the match against England on September 26,” said De la Fuente.
“This team never stops. The World Cup isn’t enough — we have to be better. What we’ve achieved isn’t enough to win the next match.”
Spain’s next major target will be the 2028 European Championship, where they have a chance to emulate the La Roja side that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
De la Fuente admitted that repeating that feat would be difficult.
“In life it’s very hard to win, and many more (teams) lose than win,” he said.
“Repeating past successes in terms of titles… we’re going to try to be in a position to compete to win.
“Now we’re the team to beat. That’s an added motivation.”
New faces
Thomas Tuchel’s England, who lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, offer an immediate reminder of the level Spain will be expected to maintain as world champions.
De la Fuente picked a similar squad to his World Cup team for the upcoming Nations League games against England, Croatia twice and the Czech Republic.
Teenage star Lamine Yamal, having returned to form with Barcelona, and captain Rodri remain the key figures, and both are in the running to win the Ballon d’Or, although there have been a few changes elsewhere.
Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez returned after missing the World Cup with a foot injury, while Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has also been recalled.
Goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s injury opened the door to Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez, while in-form Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez could make his first appearance for La Roja. Ivan Fresneda earned a late call-up in place of injured Tottenham defender Pedro Porro.
“How could there not be continuity with players who have won everything?” said De la Fuente. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t give a chance to those who are knocking on the door.”
Mikel Oyarzabal led the line for Spain through most of the World Cup, while Ferran Torres scored the winner in the final, but Fernandez can stake his claim after being chosen over Real Madrid’s Carlos Espi.
That position in the team, among a few others, will be contested during the Nations League and the build-up to Euro 2028, which is ideal for De la Fuente.
The coach’s message is clear, with Spain looking to progress despite the trophies they have already won, while strong competition can help foster the right environment for evolution.
