Luis de la Fuente sat down in the press room for the first time after a match since his last appearance following Spain’s World Cup triumph. This time, the World Cup is behind them and the UEFA Nations League is under way. The opening match brought a comeback victory over England at Wembley, giving Spain their first three points of the campaign.

Match analysis: “There were six or seven minutes when we lost our focus in the first half and a few more at the start of the second, but it was a very demanding match against a footballing powerhouse. Perhaps we weren’t quite right in our runs in behind, and that’s when we decided to approach things differently. There are many matches within a match, and we knew how to play each of them at the right moment.”

🎙️ “There are many matches within a match, and we knew how to play each of them at the right moment.”

➡️ “England have a lot of talent and can hurt you at any moment, but we controlled the game.”

🗣️ Luis de la Fuente, Spain head coach.

On ambition: “The players are ambitious and always want to improve. There is a huge amount of room for improvement, with people joining the group and raising the level. There is a very strong human connection that makes you willing to sacrifice more and more for one another, alongside the outstanding footballing talent we saw tonight.”

39 matches unbeaten: “This record highlights the journey of these players. They are exceptional and never stop striving to be better. What this team is doing is very difficult, and we want to keep improving.”

The result: “The comeback began when we had three very clear chances and failed to take them. Even so, I felt the team was capable of overcoming any adversity. We missed opportunities, but the opposition isn’t going to take every chance they get.”