Luis de la Fuente demands more from Spain after World Cup glory

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says the World Cup win is not enough, as his squad returns to action this week for the first time since their July triumph. La Roja face England in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday, September 26, with De la Fuente demanding continued improvement despite lifting football's biggest prize.

Spain are aiming for the 2028 European Championship, co-hosted by the UK and Ireland, where they will defend the title they won at Euro 2024.

Success there would let La Roja match the legendary Spain side that won Euro 2008, the 2010 World Cup, and Euro 2012 in succession.

Why does De la Fuente say the World Cup win isn't enough?

Spain won Euro 2024 and then the World Cup this summer, but De la Fuente wants the squad to keep improving rather than settle. He recalled that within minutes of beating Argentina in the World Cup final in New Jersey, a player asked him what they still had to win. His answer was the England match on September 26.

"This team never stops. The World Cup isn't enough, we have to be better," De la Fuente said. "What we've achieved isn't enough to win the next match."

"Now we're the team to beat. That's an added motivation," he said. Spain will try to stay competitive for every trophy on offer rather than rest on their recent record.

What are Fuente's plans after contract extension?

De la Fuente signed a contract extension this week that keeps him in charge of Spain until 2032. The 65-year-old has led the team to the World Cup, Euro 2024, and the Nations League since taking over in 2022.

De la Fuente named a squad similar to his World Cup-winning group for the upcoming fixtures against England, Croatia twice, and Czechia. Teenage star Lamine Yamal, back to form with Barcelona, and captain Rodri remain the key figures, and both are in contention for the Ballon d'Or.

There are still some changes to the squad. Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has returned after missing the World Cup through a foot injury, while Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen has also been recalled.

"How could there not be continuity with players who have won everything?" De la Fuente said. "But that doesn't mean we won't give a chance to those who are knocking on the door."