Luis de la Fuente has vowed that Spain will continue pushing for victories after the world champions came from behind to defeat England 3-2 in their Nations League opener.
Spain made a flying start at Wembley, with Lamine Yamal opening the scoring just 105 seconds into the encounter after capitalising on an error from Marc Guehi.
England quickly turned the game around, however, as Anthony Gordon and Harry Kane struck before the break to put the hosts ahead.
Spain were given another setback shortly after the restart when Rodri conceded a penalty, but Kane failed to extend England’s lead after his spot-kick struck the crossbar.
The visitors responded strongly in the closing stages. Baena came off the bench to level the contest before providing the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal to complete Spain’s comeback.
The result means Spain have now gone 39 matches unbeaten across 90 minutes, recording 30 victories and nine draws during the run.
They have also won eight consecutive competitive fixtures, with De la Fuente highlighting the character his players showed against England.
“We are very happy with the result, with the performance, and for having shown the world that we have a lot of ambition and a strong desire to win,” he told Teledeporte.
“It is true that there were moments when we had to suffer. But this is England.
“We talked at half-time. We had the game under control; we had three clear chances. We continue to show that this team never gives up, that we have no intention of stopping winning.
“I’m lucky to have these players. Anyone can step onto the pitch and be ready. It’s about trying to make changes. They have exceptional talent.”
Spain had several opportunities to build a comfortable lead before England’s comeback. Ferran Torres had an effort ruled out for offside and later failed to beat James Trafford in two one-on-one situations.
Dani Olmo and Yamal also missed chances before England took control of the scoreline.
De la Fuente acknowledged that Spain briefly lost concentration but maintained that his team had largely dictated proceedings.
“We conceded both of England’s goals; it was a moment of disconnection,” De la Fuente said in his press conference.
“They could hurt us, and we weren’t able to fight them back. Generally speaking, the game was under control against a superpower.
“We all played our part, and I think we had the game under control against such a powerful opponent.”
On Spain’s lengthy unbeaten sequence, the coach said the players remain focused on improving rather than dwelling on their achievements.
“What this generation of footballers is doing is truly remarkable.
“They never stop striving to improve. The statistics speak for themselves. It’s incredibly difficult to replicate what Spain is achieving.
“We’ll approach the match against Croatia as if it were our last. These players are always eager to keep developing.”
