Spain boss warns Germany on collision course with rivals at Euro 2024

“I like that people are starting to think we can win, but we have to stay happy and calm and the players have to enjoy what they are good at: playing football and continuing to grow.”

It’s something Alvaro Morata agrees with as the Spain captain has been keeping an eye on all of his side’s rivals.

He said: “We showed again that we are a great team and that we will suffocate any rival. We have seen all the games and there are very good teams, but we have in mind that we can compete against all of them.”

Spain’s victory over the Azzurri secured top spot and will allow De La Fuente to rest players against Albania. Manchester City midfielder Rodri is certain to miss the match after being shown yellow cards in each of his first two games, but De la Fuente is set to rotate others as he believes it would be naive not to after long club campaigns for his players.

“Little details like that are very important in my opinion. At the end of the season, players are very tired and any chance to rest players is a plus.

“But we also play with hunger when we meet Albania.”

Nico Williams won the UEFA player of the match award against Italy and has become an important part of De La Fuente’s team.

The Athletic Bilbao star is on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs after an excellent season at his club, who are looking to spend more than £45 million to part with their prized asset – a price tag that is only set to rise. He echoes his manager’s sentiments, knowing that if Spain wants to be the best, they have to beat the best.

“We know we’re going to play good teams,” Williams said. “We’re going to take it step by step, like we always do.

“Fly low and hopefully it goes very well and we enjoy this European Championship and I hope we do the right things to reach the final.”

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