Spain national football team coach Luis de la Fuente insists his reigning world and European champions must improve rather than rest on their laurels as they prepare to face England in the Nations League, according to the Agence France-Presse. Fresh off their World Cup final victory over Argentina in New Jersey in July, La Roja return to competitive action under a newly extended contract that ties De la Fuente to the national team until 2032.
De la Fuente’s Forward-Looking Mindset and Nations League Preparations
According to Agence France-Presse, De la Fuente revealed that just minutes after securing the World Cup trophy in July, an unnamed player approached him to ask what the squad still had left to conquer. That winning mentality immediately shifted focus to their upcoming Nations League fixture against England, scheduled for late September. “This team never stops,” De la Fuente told Agence France-Presse. “The World Cup isn’t enough — we have to be better. What we’ve achieved isn’t enough to win the next match.”
Thomas Tuchel’s England side, whom Spain defeated in the Euro 2024 final, provide an immediate benchmark for the world champions. De la Fuente has assembled a squad heavily mirroring his World Cup roster for the upcoming fixtures against England, two matches against Croatia, and a game against the Czech Republic. Captain Rodri and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal—who has rediscovered strong form with Barcelona—remain foundational pillars of the squad and are both in contention for the Ballon d’Or, as reported by Agence France-Presse.
Squad Integration and Building Toward Euro 2028
While maintaining continuity with players who secured global and continental success, De la Fuente has integrated fresh faces and returning names into the setup. Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez returns after missing the World Cup due to a foot injury, and Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has earned a recall, according to Agence France-Presse. Additionally, Inter goalkeeper Josep Martinez stepped in following an injury to Joan Garcia, in-form Espanyol striker Roberto Fernandez earned his first call-up over Real Madrid’s Carlos Espi, and Ivan Fresneda replaced the injured Tottenham defender Pedro Porro.
“How could there not be continuity with players who have won everything?” De la Fuente said, per Agence France-Presse. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t give a chance to those who are knocking on the door.” Mikel Oyarzabal anchored the attack through much of the World Cup, and Ferran Torres scored the winner in the final, but the injection of new talent creates healthy internal competition as Spain plots a course toward the 2028 European Championships—an opportunity to emulate the side that won Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, and Euro 2012.
Did you know? Spain manager Luis de la Fuente signed a contract extension earlier in the week that secures his leadership of La Roja through 2032, providing long-term stability as the team chases a run toward Euro 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Spain’s next opponent in the Nations League?
Spain faces England in the Nations League, offering a rematch of the Euro 2024 final.
Until when is Luis de la Fuente signed as Spain manager?
Luis de la Fuente signed a contract extension that keeps him in charge of the Spain national team until 2032.
Which players received recent call-ups for Spain?
Recent squad additions and returns include Fermin Lopez, Dean Huijsen, Josep Martinez, Roberto Fernandez, and Ivan Fresneda.
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