De la Fuente vows ‘no complacency’ as Spain head to Wembley for Nations League opener

Spain play England at Wembley in their first match since lifting the World Cup, where they beat Argentina 1-0. Manager Luis De la Fuente signed a new contract recently and faces expectations that come with reigning world and European titles. He told reporters there will be "no complacency" and that the squad still has "enormous room for improvement." The match is the Nations League opener for both sides.

Spain are unbeaten in 38 straight matches in all competitions (29 wins, 9 draws), the longest streak recorded by a European nation. That run includes the Euro 2024 final victory over England and continued success through the World Cup. De la Fuente describes the team as confident and secure but warns that confidence does not guarantee results, especially against strong opponents.

When asked why England sometimes underperform in major matches, De la Fuente declined to analyse England's internal issues. He called England "a great team" — recent finalists at continental and global tournaments and ranked third in FIFA's rankings — and said Spain must rise to the occasion because England can beat any side on their day.

De la Fuente emphasised the squad's drive to improve rather than rest on recent success. He said the players want to keep winning and making history, and that constant improvement is "the only way to achieve our goals." The manager set an expectation that Spain must deliver their absolute best in high-stakes matches, signalling a focus on intensity and preparation for Wembley.

Spain have won six of their last nine matches versus England across competitions, with one draw and two losses. Their most recent meetings include a 2-1 win over England in the Euro 2024 final and a 2-1 win at Wembley in the Nations League in September 2018. Those outcomes underline a competitive edge for Spain, but De la Fuente repeated that past results don't guarantee future success.

• Spain's intensity and whether they approach the fixture as an exhibition or a competitive test. De la Fuente's comments indicate a competitive approach.
• England's response under pressure against a team that has beaten them in finals.

De la Fuente is managing expectations by promising no complacency and framing the match as a test for an improving, confident Spain. The manager's message is both a reminder of recent achievements and a warning: the team will continue to push rather than relax after the World Cup triumph.