England manager Thomas Tuchel believes his side are ready to end Spain’s 43-match unbeaten run when they face the world and European champions in Madrid on Sunday.
Although victory would offer little more than the prospect of a more favourable Nations League quarter-final draw in March, ending Spain’s remarkable run would represent a significant achievement for England.
“Spain is a team that has forgotten how to lose, so of course it requires a top performance first of all, and if we can deliver this performance, it will give us a big boost,” Tuchel said after England’s 2-1 victory over Croatia at Wembley on Thursday.
“I think we’re there, and I think we’re ready to win on Sunday,” the German added.
“I know what it takes, and no one can ever guarantee it, but I think it’s the moment to check how far we are and to push our limit and proof of concept.”
England lost the reverse fixture 3-2 at Wembley in September, although the result could have been different had Harry Kane converted a penalty that would have put Tuchel’s side 3-1 ahead.
Tuchel, however, wants his players to approach Sunday’s encounter with the same attacking mentality they displayed in the previous meeting.
“It’s important that we play with the same mindset that we played at home, and attack them and try to make it a physical game, and try to impose our strength,” he said.
Tuchel addresses racism concerns ahead of Spain clash
England players have previously been subjected to racist abuse in Spain, with Ashley Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips targeted during an international friendly in Madrid in 2004.
Spain, meanwhile, have been ordered to play their next home friendly at reduced capacity as punishment for discriminatory chants directed at Muslims by supporters during a match against Egypt in March.
Asked about the possibility of further incidents, Tuchel said England would not tolerate racism.
“We will never accept racism. We will never be racist towards anyone,” he said.
He added that he expected the Spanish supporters to back their national team but stressed that the match officials were aware of the necessary procedures for dealing with discriminatory incidents.
“I expect, of course, full support from the Spanish crowd for the Spanish team. But we will not expect anything. And I think the referee and the officials know about that… There is a protocol in place and it’s important that the players know about the protocol.
“We will give our answers if stuff like this happens. Best answers are on the pitch,” he added.
AFP
