Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente is urging his squad to satisfy their hunger for silverware after securing consecutive major tournament titles, noting that a third consecutive trophy remains the missing piece to rival the legendary side of 2008 to 2012. The national team recently claimed victory at Euro 2024 and held the previous two European Championships, yet de la Fuente believes there is still significant ground to cover.
During a press conference at Las Rozas on Friday afternoon, the coach shared an anecdote from shortly after the New Jersey final. He recalled that within minutes of the final whistle on July 19, a senior player approached him asking what remained to be won. De la Fuente’s immediate response was pointed: the upcoming Nations League final against England at Wembley on September 26.
De la Fuente also unveiled his first squad since the American triumph. The roster features a familiar core of history-makers, with 22 of the 26 players from the World Cup retained. The four exclusions were attributed to specific circumstances: Marcos Llorente has retired from international football, Joan García is dealing with an injury, Borja Iglesias is not yet fully fit, and Gavi is suspended for the Wembley clash, though he remains eligible for matches against Croatia and Czechia.
The coach stressed that the team must continue winning to match the achievements of the celebrated era under Vicente del Bosque. By setting his sights on the Nations League title, de la Fuente aims to keep the squad motivated and focused on extending their dominance in international football.
Is the Nations League really that important compared to World Cups? Seems like a lot of pressure for silverware that doesn’t count as much.
Gavi being suspended for the final is a real blow. Hope he’s fit for the rest of the campaign.
Three-peat would be historic. But playing England at Wembley is a massive test they haven’t faced yet.