Xavi Hernandez has claimed that England are technically at the same level as Spain ahead of Friday’s friendly in Alicante.
Speaking to ESPN FC about England’s chances of future success, Xavi – both a World Cup and two-time European Champion with Spain – believes the Three Lions now need to pair their talent with a winning mentality.
“England have really improved… They have [Raheem] Sterling, [Ross] Barkley, [Jack] Wilshere, who has had bad luck with injury… Young players, very talented,” he said.
“England are like the Spain of old. They have players; they don't have the confidence, the belief, to win tournaments.
“When they break this barrier, like we did, they can win. There's a lot of pressure on them because they haven't won.
“With Spain, there's not the same pressure. They play with tranquillity, England don't. It's a shame when your country expects you to win and you don't.
“I've been there. I was in the World Cup in 2002 and 2006, when we were a team which reached quarterfinals.
“I heard the radio, the television and read the newspapers. The criticism was awful. England are like that now.”
“[On the technical level of both teams being the same]. It is, don't you think? I've seen some superb footballers.
“[Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain, [Theo] Walcott, [Raheem] Sterling — he can make the difference for [Manchester] City. [Wayne] Rooney is the leader, a great player, a great player. The top level.
“[Rooney] will be back. Footballers go through stages when things don't go well, it might be a few months, look at [Andres] Iniesta last season.
“People were critical of him; they said he wasn't the same player. What happened in the Champions League final, the biggest game?
“He was fantastic. But if you score an important goal then your confidence can soar. Confidence is the greatest variable in life, not just in football.”
“I'd always respected the English fans. It's like a religion in England, where the fans follow the team to every away game. In England, they roar the team from the first minute. I admire that.”
