Spain Coach Says Past Wins Won't Matter Against England

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has told his players that their past victories in the World Cup and European Championship won’t help them when they face England in their UEFA Nations League opener at Wembley.

In an interview shared by UEFA on Monday, De la Fuente said Spain needs to step up their game and match England’s drive if they want to start their Nations League campaign on a high note.

“Nothing we have achieved so far will help us beat England. We need to be better, and that’s what I’m going to demand from the players in these few days we have to prepare: be better than we have been so far, concentrate and give our all to be better,” De la Fuente stated.

The 65-year-old called England “the perfect opposition” for Spain to face after their World Cup win. He believes the occasion should be enough motivation for his players.

“That’s the best team-talk for a footballer: playing against England at Wembley. You don’t need any more motivation. They’re the perfect opposition to get back up to speed immediately,” he said.

“England are a great national team that are as good as us and will be a tough test for us.”

New Beginning

De la Fuente said Spain will treat this match as the start of a new chapter, even after their recent success.

“Knowing the players, knowing their characters, we’re going to be incredibly focused right from the outset. That is our mentality. There is always a goal to achieve, and the most important thing is the here and now,” he said.

“It’s a new story and a new film, we want to be the stars of this new film.”

The coach also highlighted the mindset within his squad, saying the players are eager for more success, even after an incredible journey together.

De la Fuente recalled working with some players from the youth levels to the Under-21s, Olympic Games, Nations League, and European Championship.

He said their journey ended with winning the World Cup, but the players quickly shifted focus to their next challenge.

“We got together after, hugged, and said: ‘Our story is amazing. We’ve completed the circle.’ A player then said to me: ‘Gaffer, what more is there for us to win?’ I replied: ‘Look, it’s the next game against England.’ That’s the mentality of this team, forever hungry in their pursuit of glory and achievements.”

Matching Opponents’ Motivation

De la Fuente mentioned that Spain has to match the motivation of their opponents, who now have extra reasons to push harder when facing the world champions.

“We have to deal with that exceptional motivating factor and focus on what we can control. Our opponents can think whatever they like. Whatever motivation the opponents may have, we need to use that to motivate ourselves,” he explained.

“If they’re that motivated, it’s because we’re really good and we’re world champions.”

He continued, “We need to be as motivated as our opponents. That is our approach. The closer we can get to that level, the closer we’ll be to winning. If we don’t get to that level of motivation and desire, we won’t win.”

De la Fuente said Spain’s recent success has come from always trying to improve, rather than focusing on past achievements.

“I’m not really one for catchy newspaper headlines. I’m all about messages that resonate with the player’s mindset and philosophy,” he said, recalling his message to the squad after winning the 2023 Nations League.

“Gentlemen, we have proved that with this approach, this philosophy, we can win. The next match is different. Let’s do things better, but building on our strengths. Let’s do it.”

He added, “And the team was progressing step by step, making strides, constantly improving. Today, we are the product of all that. Everything we have experienced. It’s a constant learning process.”

Match Details

PUNCH Online reports that England and Spain will meet on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in their UEFA Nations League Group A3 opener at Wembley Stadium, London, at 7:45pm UK time (7:45pm WAT).

The match will take place at Wembley Stadium.

They will meet again in the return fixture on Sunday, November 15, 2026, at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, also at 7:45pm WAT.