Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expressed confidence that his team can continue to improve despite their recent successes, including winning the 2023 World Cup and holding the European Championship title. Spain faces England tonight at Wembley in their first match since defeating Argentina in the World Cup final in July, held in New York.
De la Fuente, 65, who has guided Spain through what is regarded as their most successful era since the team's dominance between 2008 and 2012, cautioned against complacency. He emphasized that while Spain is proud of its achievements, the team remains focused on growth and setting new goals. “The ceiling has not been reached yet,” he said, highlighting the squad’s motivation and hunger to compete at the highest level.
The upcoming match carries additional significance as England narrowly missed the opportunity to face Spain in this summer’s World Cup final after being eliminated by Argentina in the semifinals. The two teams also met recently in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, where Spain again emerged victorious. De la Fuente acknowledged England’s strength, describing them as a formidable opponent and a football superpower, currently ranked third globally. He praised their consistent performance in recent major tournaments and noted a parallel between the two sides in terms of stature and ambition.
“The biggest thing we have now is trust,” De la Fuente said, underscoring the close-knit atmosphere he has cultivated within the Spanish squad.
Tonight’s match will also feature a tribute to former England star and manager Kevin Keegan, who passed away from cancer in July at the age of 75. The ceremony at Wembley will include a moment of applause, a crowd mosaic, and the laying of a wreath, with Keegan’s family in attendance. Keegan, remembered as a Liverpool legend and a two-time Ballon d’Or winner for his performances with Hamburg, earned 63 caps and scored 21 goals for England between 1972 and 1982. He managed the national team from 1999 to 2000. England captain Harry Kane paid tribute, calling Keegan “a big part of English history.”
The match promises to be a competitive encounter between two leading European teams, with Spain seeking to build on their championship momentum and England aiming to assert themselves against a close rival.