De la Fuente insists Spain are still hungry for success ahead of England clash

Luis de la Fuente says Spain have no intention of easing off as they prepare to face England at Wembley, insisting the world champions remain determined to add to their recent success.

Spain are enjoying an unprecedented period after winning both the European Championship and the World Cup. The acclaim surrounding the team has raised concerns that confidence could turn into complacency, but De la Fuente believes the challenge posed by England will provide the ideal test.

Asked whether his players risked becoming satisfied with what they had achieved, the Spain manager said: “We will definitely not relax. We are not satisfied, we are extremely motivated and we want to continue making history.

“England are third in the rankings and anything can happen, but it will not be because of a lack of effort. I guarantee that. The best is yet to come.”

The manager, who is from La Rioja, said Spain still had clear targets and room to improve.

“There is still scope for us to get better. There is no room for complacency, we have new goals and we want to continue developing,” he added.

De la Fuente also paid tribute to England, describing them as a major force and arguing that their strength made it impossible for Spain to lack motivation.

“England are a great team. They reached the World Cup semi-finals and the European Championship final twice. We will give our very best in this important match against a very difficult opponent,” he said.

He also made clear that a defeat at Wembley would not necessarily reflect a failure of ambition.

“In football, even if you are the best, you can still lose. We are going through a period of confidence and security. Against England, anything can happen; they are third in the FIFA rankings and a footballing superpower,” De la Fuente said.

In comments published by the Spanish national team on 25 September 2026, he added: “England are a very great national team, third in the FIFA rankings. We will try to live up to our position. We are at a moment of security and confidence.”

De la Fuente criticises new qualifying schedule

De la Fuente was more forthright when asked about the new format that requires teams to play four matches during a single international break.

“The new system is incomprehensible. Playing four matches in 10 days is not ideal,” he said.

He also acknowledged the impact the World Cup triumph had on his life. Public recognition after Spain’s European Championship victory had been important, but he said the reaction to winning the World Cup had been on an entirely different scale.

“After winning the European Championship, the recognition from the public was important, but the World Cup is on another level altogether. Now I am more famous in every country, and that is wonderful.

“When people see us, they come over to thank us for what we have given them and for the experiences we have created. Seeing people’s happiness makes me very proud,” he said.

Looking ahead, De la Fuente expressed confidence in Spain’s future, including the right-back position and other areas of the team.

“When we look to the future, what comes after us gives us great confidence. They will be players of a very high level,” he said.